What is the difference between criminal court and civil court when it comes to liquor liability claims?

When it comes to liquor liability claims in Washington, the difference between criminal court and civil court lies in the type of punishment each court system is equipped to hand out. In criminal court, the prosecution is required to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defendant is found guilty, then a criminal court can hand out punishments such as jail time, fines, or probation. On the other hand, civil court is concerned with settling disputes between two parties. In a liquor liability claim, the plaintiff (victim) will attempt to prove that the defendant (seller or server of alcohol) is responsible for the liability claim and therefore owes the plaintiff some type of compensation. If the defendant is found liable, civil court can decide to award the plaintiff damages, such as money to cover medical bills or other expenses. Criminal court is focused on punishing individuals (or companies) for breaking the law, while civil court is more focused on settling personal disputes and awarding compensation to those who have suffered a loss.

Related FAQs

What should I do if a patron becomes overly intoxicated at my property?
How much alcohol can a person legally consume in a single sitting?
Are bars and restaurants required to have someone checking IDs?
What are the laws regarding liquor liability in my state?
What is the law regarding serving alcohol to individuals under the age of twenty-one in my state?
Are there any special rules or regulations related to promotions or discounts related to alcoholic beverages?
How can I protect myself from a liquor liability lawsuit if I think my business was not liable?
How does the 'good Samaritan' law affect liquor liability claims?
Can I be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated patron at an event hosted at my establishment?
What is the legal limit for driving under the influence?

What is the difference between criminal court and civil court when it comes to liquor liability claims?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts