Legal Question in Criminal Law in Wyoming

Re: Admission of guilt in small claims court and its repercussions.

In a civil case the plaintiff must prove his case "to a preponderance of the evidence." In a criminal case the burden of proof is higher - it is "beyond a reasonable doubt." Any civil loss which it is claimed the college suffered because of your actions must be proved according to the civil standard. Conversely, any crime you are alleged to have committed must be proved to the second standard. Criminal and civil cases are separate - one is never tried within the context of the other. Admissions made in the civil case may, however, be used against you in the criminal case if it comes later. Your best advice is to make no admissions in the civil case concerning any criminal activity. The Fifth Amendment offers you this protection and right. The outcome of either case involves factors too numerous and elusive to go into here, but depends upon whether or not the plaintiff in either case meets the required burden of proof.