In short, a criminal case focuses on investigating criminal charges, while a civil case focuses on compensating a victim or their family for damages. A criminal case will be investigated by regulatory agencies, and any potential criminal proceedings will be pursued by police and prosecuting attorneys on behalf of the state. A civil case will be pursued by the victim or their family. Any civil proceedings will be represented by an experienced daycare negligence attorney or a childcare neglect lawyer.
Many abuse cases will result in both criminal and civil trials. It is important to note that a civil claim can take place concurrent to a criminal trial. A parent or legal guardian does not have to wait for a criminal trial to conclude in order to file a civil claim and sue a daycare provider.