Criminal charges do not have to be brought against the person you believe caused your loved one’s death to pursue a successful wrongful death case in civil court. Criminal and civil complaints are mutually exclusive, which means one does not affect the outcome of the other. Even when wrongful death cases are successful in civil court, there may be no criminal penalties involved. Likewise, just because someone is convicted of a crime that killed another person – say, a drunk driver – does not necessarily mean the civil case will be a success. That is why it is important to partner with an experienced Houston wrongful death attorney, so we can sort out the details while you focus on grieving.