Criminal cases involve allegations that a crime was committed. In criminal cases the government is seeking a conviction. Charges are prosecuted by local District Attorney’s Offices, the New York State Attorney General, or Federal United States Attorney’s Office. If convicted, you could face potential incarceration, fines, surcharges, and restitution.
Civil cases are brought to seek money damages or to attempt to stop certain behavior or actions, legally known as injunctions. Civil cases can be filed by individuals, corporations, or the government.