Also known as the burden of proof, the standard of guilt is one of the most important parts of criminal and civil law alike. Because of the significant difference in the severity of punishments between civil and criminal cases, the standards vary greatly between these types of cases.

Suffering an injury caused by someone else’s negligent actions can be a very trying time in your life. A skilled and committed personal injury attorney can help you hold these negligent individuals responsible so you can recover financial compensation. For more information about the standard of guilt and how it applies to your case, contact the Oklahoma personal injury lawyers of the Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046.

Difference between Civil and Criminal Standards of Guilt

Because of the considerable difference in severity between punishments associated with criminal and civil cases, the standard of guilt varies accordingly. The difference between civil and criminal standard of proof includes the following:

  • Criminal Court – Of the two cases, criminal cases have the highest burden of proof or standard of guilt. Because a conviction can result in serious penalties and jail time, the jury has to know the defendant is guilty “beyond reasonable doubt.”
  • Civil Court – Civil cases have a much lower standard of guilt and only requires the plaintiff to prove the defendant acted negligently with a 51 percent degree of certainty.

Understanding this difference can be critical to the development of your personal injury case.

Contact Us

At the Abel Law Firm, our Oklahoma personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you fight for the financial compensation you deserve. To talk about the standard of proof and your case, contact us today at (405) 239-7046.

Voted Oklahoma's Best Personal Injury Law Firm
The Journal Record 2023 Reader Rankings - Top Winner - Abel Law Firm - Best Peronal Injury Law Firm
The Journal Record 2023 Reader Rankings - Top Winner - Abel Law Firm - Best Peronal Injury Law Firm

Oklahomans across the state have recognized the Abel Law Firm's unique heritage as a statewide institution. Founded by Ed Abel, and today led by his son, Luke Abel, our personal injury law firm has become synonymous with empathy, compassion, and the highest professional performance serving our neighbors. Our family has sought to leave a profound impact upon the State of Oklahoma. We appreciate that former Governor Mary Fallin recognized that dedication when she declared May 1st "Ed Abel Day."

To be named Oklahoma's Best Personal Injury Law Firm is humbling. We are grateful to have won this prestigious honor. We work every day to earn the trust of those we serve: Oklahoma families who are facing some of the most difficulty days of their lives due to the negligence of others. It is our intention and resolve to continue to be deserving of the faith Oklahomans have placed in our family's law firm. Thank you!

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