What Does a Civil Law Attorney Do?

What does a civil law attorney do? A civil law attorney helps people and businesses settle disputes that do not involve criminal charges. These cases are about money, property, contracts, and rights. If you are in a fight over a broken agreement or an unpaid debt, this is the lawyer you want.

Civil law is different from criminal law. In a criminal case, the state charges a person with a crime and the penalty can include jail. In a civil case, one side asks the court for money or another fix. No one goes to jail. The two areas use different rules and different burdens of proof.

Civil attorneys handle many kinds of matters. Common examples include contract disputes, property and land disagreements, business conflicts, debt collection, and personal injury claims. If a careless driver hurt you, your personal injury claim is a civil case. Family law issues such as divorce and custody are civil too.

Much of the work happens before trial. A civil law attorney reviews your facts and explains your options. The attorney often tries to settle the dispute when that serves you best. If the case must move forward, the attorney files a complaint, exchanges evidence in discovery, and argues your side. Many civil cases settle without a trial.

Timing matters in civil cases. Maryland sets deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for filing most claims. Many civil claims must be filed within three years. If you miss the deadline, you can lose your right to sue. A lawyer can tell you which deadline applies to your situation.

How long does a civil case take? It depends on the dispute. A simple matter may resolve in a few months. A complex case that goes to trial can take a year or more. Good preparation early on often shortens the path and improves the result.

When should you hire one? Think about it when the stakes are high, when the other side has a lawyer, or when the rules are hard to follow on your own. A civil law attorney can also tell you early if your case is worth pursuing. That advice alone can save you time and money.

Castro Law Group has handled civil matters in Maryland since 1993. We serve Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties, plus Washington, DC. To learn more, visit our civil law attorney page or call us at (301) 870-1200.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a civil and criminal lawyer?

In a criminal case, the state charges a person with a crime and the penalty can include jail. In a civil case, one side asks the court for money or another fix, and no one goes to jail. The two areas use different rules and burdens of proof.

What kinds of cases do civil attorneys handle?

Civil attorneys handle contract disputes, property and land disagreements, business conflicts, debt collection, and personal injury claims. Family law matters such as divorce and custody are civil cases too.

How long do civil cases take?

It depends on the dispute. A simple matter may resolve in a few months. A complex case that goes to trial can take a year or more. Good preparation early often shortens the path.

Do you handle civil cases in Charles County and Prince George’s County?

Yes. Castro Law Group serves Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties, plus Washington, DC. Call (301) 870-1200 to discuss your case.