Criminal law involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that has been classified as a crime. Civil cases involve individuals attempting to resolve legal disputes. In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be imprisoned, fined, or both. However, persons found liable in a civil case may only have to forfeit property or pay money, but are not imprisoned.