What is the difference between civil and criminal liabilities for a drunk driving accident?

The difference between civil and criminal liability in a drunk driving accident in Washington lies primarily in the severity of the penalties imposed and the type of court that decides the case. In criminal liability, the offender may be subject to harsher punishment, such as jail time or fines. The court in this case is determined by the state’s criminal justice system, with the offender likely appearing before a judge or jury in criminal court proceedings. The primary consequence of a criminal drunk driving charge is a criminal record, which is often accompanied by difficulties in obtaining an occupational license or employment/ housing opportunities. In civil liability, the accused is generally responsible for compensating the victim of the accident for damages. The court in this case is a civil court and punishments are far less severe than criminal proceedings. For example, the accused may only be subject to paying damages to the victim. In a nutshell, criminal liability in a drunk driving accident results in criminal penalties for the offender, while civil liability results in financial damages for the victim. Both are serious offenses and should be treated as such. In Washington, a drunk driving charge carries a mandatory jail sentence and license suspension, so it’s important to contact a legal professional if you have been charged with a DUI.

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What is the difference between civil and criminal liabilities for a drunk driving accident?

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