What is the difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case?
The difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case in Florida is that criminal cases are initiated by law enforcement in order to punish those who break the law while civil cases are initiated by victims or their families in order to seek financial compensation. In a criminal case, the prosecution will likely bring criminal charges against the drunk driver. The goal of these charges are to punish the driver who has broken the law. Possible penalties can include time in jail, fines, probation, and the suspension of the driver’s license. In a civil case, the victim or their family will likely file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver. The purpose of this is to seek financial compensation for damages caused by the drunk driver. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The driver may also be responsible for pain and suffering caused by the accident. In both cases, the driver can face long-term consequences. Even if the driver is found not guilty in a criminal case, they may still be responsible for damages in a civil case. Furthermore, the driver’s insurance may be affected as a result of being involved in a drunk driving accident. Overall, the main difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case in Florida is that criminal cases are designed to punish those who break the law while civil cases are designed to seek financial compensation for victims or their families who have been affected by the accident.
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