This is a good question. They ask me more than any other question.

These are examples of criminal matters:

Thefts, rapes, murders, all thefts, robberies, dui, batteries, sex crimes, etc.

These are examples of civil matters:

Property repossession, repossessions, rental disputes, etc.

The best way to find out if a charge, accusation, or matter is civil or criminal in nature is to investigate the penalty. In other words, if the penalty can result in imprisonment, it is a criminal matter. If the penalty is a fine or the loss of the subject in question, that is civil.

Keep this in mind, however, in rare circumstances, a civil matter can end criminally.

An example: You buy a vehicle, you cannot pay the car note, and a repossession order is placed on your vehicle. The ‘repo’ man comes to take possession. When he starts to take your vehicle, you get into a physical fight with him to avoid him. You hit him! Now you can charge with battery. Your best defense in these kinds of circumstances is to let him have him. You can always buy another vehicle. It’s not worth going to jail and STILL losing your vehicle.

The example above can also apply to liens, rent disputes, or any other matter. The important thing to remember is not to turn the civil matter into a criminal matter. In most cases, you will still lose along with jail time. Not worth it!

Be careful, drive safely and obey the laws.