A wrongful death is a civil case, where the defendant’s liability is penalized by financial compensation paid to the decedent’s survivors, and liability is shown by a “preponderance of the evidence.” In a criminal homicide case, a conviction will result in jail or prison time, probation, and other sanctions, and the accused’s guilt must be established “beyond a reasonable doubt.” A defendant can be sued for wrongful death in civil court at the same time as facing criminal charges.