When most people think of the criminal justice system, they think of police officers, jail time and dangerous criminals. However, the justice system is not that simple. The American criminal justice system has three branches - federal (FBI, DEA, ATF, Marshals, and so on), state (for example VSP and TBI) and local (Sheriff’s Deputies and City Police). Besides mentioned, there is another component of the justice system that most people are familiar with, even if they don't realize it. Civil litigation is a very important part of our social system. Civil litigation encompasses the non-criminal aspect of life that can cause conflicts and require specific resolutions. The most common areas that civil litigation is used are in different types of disputes, such as tenant and landlord disputes, neighbor disputes, employment disputes, and compensation claims. Civil litigation can also include areas such as malpractice suits. In certain cases, such as in small claims court, the involved parties can resolve their issues without hiring a lawyer. However, in civil litigation cases, hiring a civil lawyer Rockville is necessary to help the parties work through their problems. Only by having a civil litigator by your side, you can ensure a successful resolution.
How Does a Civil Litigation Case Look Like?
Civil litigation starts as a conflict between two parties. When the involved parties can’t resolve their issues, one or both of them will seek legal counsel. The conflict can reach the stage where the civil lawyer has to investigate if there is cause for a case as well as the claim for merits. After a short investigation is conducted, the case moves to the next stage, which involves putting the complaint in writing and notifying the other party. This formal documentation is called pleadings. Now, the parties should exchange information and relevant facts that could serve as evidence and could be brought up in court. This stage is called discovery. In this phase, if your opponent thinks you have a much stronger case than him, he can end the entire matter with a settlement. On the other hand, if the both parties believe that they will win, the case continues to a pre-trial. After the pre-trial and a trial comes the judgment. Before the judgment, at any moment, one of the parties can try to settle.
The losing party will not face any jail sanctions, and it won’t carry a criminal record. Neither party can be appointed an attorney as a defendant can in a criminal court proceeding. If you win a civil case, you can only require financial compensation or some specific performance. Also, if you are thinking about pursuing a civil litigation, have in mind that you will need a lawyer and that you will have to pay for its cost. You will also have to pay court expenses. Civil litigation cases are often unpredictable. Some of them can be settled very quickly while others can last for years. Depending on whom you are going against, as well as the strength of your evidence, you may be in for a long fight. If you are going up against a strong company, have in mind that they will do everything they can to prolong the case and empty your pockets until you quit or withdraw the charges. By prolonging the case, you will lose a lot of money, so it’s better to hire an experienced lawyer to explain your options to you and settle before reaching court.