Сравнение
Civil Attorney vs Criminal Attorney
Краткий ответ
Civil attorneys handle disputes between private parties — contracts, personal injury, employment, property, and family law — where the outcome is typically money damages or an injunction. Criminal attorneys defend individuals accused by the government of crimes, where the stakes include fines, probation, and incarceration. The two practice areas have different rules, procedures, burdens of proof, and required specializations. Hiring the wrong type can mean your case is mishandled from day one.
Автор James Chae — Сооснователь, Expert Sapiens
Экспертиза платформы: Юридические услуги и отбор адвокатов · Проверено июнь 2026
Ключевые отличия
Когда выбрать Civil Attorney
- You are being sued or want to sue someone for breach of contract, personal injury, or property damage
- You are dealing with an employment dispute — wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage theft
- You need legal help with a divorce, custody dispute, or estate matter
- You are a business owner facing commercial litigation, IP infringement, or partnership disputes
- You need an injunction to stop someone from doing something harmful to you or your business
Когда выбрать Criminal Attorney
- You have been charged with a crime or are under criminal investigation
- You have received a target letter from a federal grand jury or prosecutor
- You are facing a DUI, drug charge, assault, or any offense where jail time is possible
- You are under investigation for white-collar crime — fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion
- Law enforcement has contacted you and asked you to come in for questioning
Что выбрать?
The distinction matters enormously — a civil litigator handling a criminal matter, or vice versa, is a serious mismatch. If you are charged with a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney immediately, say nothing to investigators without counsel, and do not assume a civil attorney can help. If you are in a private dispute over money, property, or contracts, a civil attorney is what you need. Some attorneys practice both, but most serious practitioners specialize in one. Always confirm the attorney's specific practice area before retaining them.
Типичная стоимость
Почасовая ставка
$150–$500/час
Значительные различия в зависимости от специализации — интеллектуальная собственность и корпоративное право дороже
За сессию
$200–$750
Типично для 60–90-минутной сессии по проверке договора, юридической стратегии или консультации по соответствию
Проектный гонорар
$500–$5 000+
Фиксированная оплата за регистрацию компании, составление договоров или регистрацию товарных знаков