driver in the interest of society at large. Criminal punishments may include: time in the state workhouse, probation, a fine, and/or jail time. The criminal court represents society at large and is not meant to directly address the victims of a drunk driving crash. 

In the civil court, the drunk driver faces a cause of action from the drunk driving victims for the violation of any civil statutes that are applicable to the drunk driver’s conduct. These causes of action typically stem from any personal injuries or property damage caused to the victim by the defendant’s behavior. The civil court directly addresses the victims of a drunk driving crash and is designed to compensate the victims for their losses. Although it rarely seems like enough, victims typically receive monetary settlements from the civil court.

The legal resources available on our webpage apply to the civil court. Moreover, LADD directs you to contact Schmidt Law Firm at schmidtlaw.org to provide legal services for any drunk driving claim that you may have. Schmidt Law Firm is highly experienced in assisting the victims of drunk driving crashes in their civil claims.

Lawyers Against Drunk Driving

An Informational website for the victims of drunk driving

Background Legal Information

The United States Justice System is divided between two separate courts: the criminal court and the civil court.

In the criminal court, the drunk driver faces charges from the state for the violation of any criminal statutes that are applicable to the drunk driver’s conduct. These charges may include, but are not limited to, driving under the

influence. The criminal court is designed to deter the behavior of the drunk