In many cases, the criminal case proceeds first. Sometimes, the criminal justice system will find your abuser 'not guilty.' However – this does not mean you cannot file a claim in civil court. While a 'guilty' verdict in criminal court may be beneficial to your civil claim, a “not guilty” verdict may have no impact on your claim at all. The evidence needed to prove liability in civil court is the preponderance of the evidence ('more likely than not'), as opposed to criminal court’s burden of proof of “beyond any reasonable doubt. There are also different methods used to prove claims in civil court that allow for a more beneficial outcome for the victim of sexual assault and abuse.