What is the difference between criminal and civil legal aid?

Criminal Legal Aid and Civil Legal Aid are separate Services. Criminal matters concern the prosecution of criminal offences whilst civil matters concern disputes between you and another person or between you and an organisation.

Examples of criminal offences include:

• Assault
• Theft
• Drink Driving
• Possession/importation of drugs

Examples of civil law matters:

• Family Disputes - including marriage breakdown and disputes involving your children
• Actions by the States of Guernsey to take your children into care
• Claims for damages in respect of a personal injury or medical negligence
• Mental Health Tribunal Appeals