Navigating Concurrent Criminal and Civil Cases Effectively
Hi, I’m Carl Birkhead, a Tulsa felony attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve practiced criminal and family law for nearly eight years, and I want to help make law easy.
A question I get is: Can you pause or delay a civil case while your criminal case is still pending?
Understanding the Timing of Legal Cases
The short answer: Not really — but maybe. Civil cases usually take longer to resolve. So, if you’re facing something like a DUI manslaughter charge, that criminal case could finish before the civil one even gets through discovery.
Why? Criminal cases follow different rules. In criminal court, you have constitutional rights — including the right to a speedy trial. Judges are very aware of that, and the system is designed to avoid leaving someone hanging under criminal charges for years.
Differences Between Criminal and Civil Cases
In contrast, the civil court doesn’t operate under the same urgency. So while you can’t exactly postpone a civil case, criminal matters often move faster by default.
But here’s the catch: Criminal and civil law have different burdens of proof. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — that’s very high.
In a civil case, the standard is clear and convincing evidence — think 75-80% certainty. So if you’re found guilty in your criminal case — even by plea — that outcome can and likely will be used against you in the civil case.
The Importance of Strategic Legal Advice
That’s why you need an attorney who understands both sides and can help you make strategic choices at every stage.
If you’re facing both criminal charges and civil claims, give me a call. I’m Tulsa criminal attorney Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy.
Contact Us for a Strategy Session
If you are navigating both a criminal and a civil case, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance to ensure the best possible outcome. Call me at 918-879-1681 for a low-cost initial strategy session to discuss your unique circumstances and plan your legal journey effectively.
