The process and procedures for each case differ.
Most lawyers handle one type of case.
Thus, a lawyer may focus his or her practice on contract disputes, while other lawyers typically handle criminal defense cases. A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime such as theft, arson or murder. Criminal actions are initiated typically by a state or federal prosecutor, such as a state's attorney or district attorney. Civil cases result from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. Civil complaints are usually filed by one or more individuals or entities against other individuals or entities to seek compensation or other relief for claimed damages or injuries.