Chicago, IL asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Libel & Slander for Missouri

Q: Can you be found guilty of a CRIME in a civil case?? And if so,Why would I NOT be allowed to sue for perjury??

I was told that only the prosecutor can pursue the person who sued me in civil case and lied under oath, because perjury is a crime.

If that is true, how can I be sued for a CRIME, if not by the PROSECUTOR, in CRIMINAL Court????

Ok. To try to be clearer.... OJ Simpson was tried for his crime. Would he be a criminal if ONLY the civil case occurred??

There's a big gap in the burden of proof between the 2 systems!

And a disturbing difference between the rights of a defendant.

Can a person be found guilty by a civil case if NO criminal charges are filed????

1 Lawyer Answer
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
Answered
  • Chesterfield, MO
  • Licensed in Missouri

A: I’m not following your post. Perjury is a crime and you seem to understand that a prosecutor prosecutes criminal cases. Some acts can be pursued both civilly and criminally. Think OJ Simpson.

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