Los Fresnos Wrongful Death Attorney J. Gonzalez
by Benjamin Treviño | April 7th, 2026 | Auto Accident, Blog, Personal Injury
Relationship between Criminal and Civil Issues that Arise from the Same Incident
A criminal conviction can be used as evidence in a civil case that arises from the same incident. The conviction can support the victim’s claim of liability. It can also serve as proof of certain facts in the case, or to impeach a witness’s credibility.
A guilty plea or conviction after trial can be used to show a party was at fault, particularly in personal injury, wrongful death, negligence, or fraud cases. “No contest” pleas generally cannot be used.
How Criminal Convictions Are Used in Civil Cases
Establishing Liability
Convictions for crimes like reckless driving, assault, or DUI can be introduced in a civil lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. The conviction serves to prove that the defendant committed the acts that caused the injuries.
Impeachment/Credibility
If a party or witness has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty, such as fraud, it can be brought up to challenge their trustworthiness.
Shifting the Burden
In some cases, a conviction acts as prima facie evidence. “Prima facie” is a Latin term, meaning “at first sight.” In law, it refers to evidence that, on its face, is sufficient to prove a fact. Prima facie evidence shifts the burden of proof to the accused to prove they did not commit the acts.
Key Limitations and Nuances
Generally, only convictions for felonies or crimes involving dishonesty are easily admitted.
“No Contest” pleas are usually inadmissible to prove liability in a subsequent civil case.
The judge presiding over the civil case will review the criminal conviction to ensure its value in determining whether or not the case outweighs potential prejudice against the party.
Evidence of a conviction is generally limited if it occurred more than 10 years ago.
Convictions that have been pardoned, annulled, or are currently under appeal may not be admissible.
Contact J. Gonzalez
Criminal cases can take years to resolve. Most often, a civil settlement will be reached out of court, eliminating the need to take the civil case to court.
However, plaintiffs need an attorney on their side to help them understand how a specific conviction may affect a particular civil matter. J. Gonzalez is that attorney.
J. Gonzalez and his team of highly-qualified and experienced wrongful death and personal injury attorneys give personal attention to each and every client they represent. They also have a proven track record of winning cases on their clients’ behalf.
Don’t delay. You can contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm anytime, day or night. The initial consultation is free, so it won’t cost you anything to find out what they have to offer.
You can reach the J. Gonzalez Law Firm via the link on this website or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Jury convicts driver in double-fatality crash
By: Benjamin Treviño
A Cameron County jury returned a guilty verdict against a Los Fresnos man in connection with a 2023 crash that killed two women.
The 357th District Court jury convicted 69-year-old Rogelio Campos Leal of criminal negligent homicide in the deaths of 97-year-old Mauricia Cruz-Rodriguez and 62-year-old Blanca Mauricia Zamarano.
The women were killed September 26, 2023 in a crash at the intersection of FM 803 and FM 510 approximately eight miles east of San Benito and near the Los Fresnos area.
Leal was accused of running a stop sign at the intersection, causing his vehicle to crash into a vehicle occupied by the two victims. Both women died at the scene. Leal is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in May.