What is the difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case?

The difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case in Tennessee is significant. In a criminal drunk driving case, a person is being prosecuted by the state and the government is seeking to punish the offender. A criminal conviction may include fines, jail time, community service, license suspension or revocation, and other consequences. The intent of this type of case is to punish and deter the driver from engaging in future drunk driving. In a civil drunk driving case, on the other hand, a person is being sued by a victim of a drunk driving accident for financial compensation. These types of cases are generally based on the driver’s negligence while operating his or her vehicle. If the driver is found to be liable, a court may award damages to the victim to cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. The main distinction between a criminal and civil drunk driving case is that in a criminal case, the state is prosecuting the driver, while in a civil case, the driver is being sued by an individual. Additionally, the purpose of a criminal case is to punish and deter, whereas the purpose of a civil case is to seek financial compensation. Both types of cases are serious and can have significant consequences for the offender.

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What is the difference between a criminal and civil drunk driving case?

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