5. Civil Litigation with Byron Winsett, Esq.

Today we are introducing a new voice to Bar Essentials, attorney Byron Winsett, discussing civil litigation. This is an area of law that often receives less attention than estate planning or criminal trials but can be just as impactful.

The Civil Suit Against O.J. Simpson

Litigation often makes headlines in the context of criminal cases. One of the most famous examples is The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson. This was a criminal trial in Los Angeles, in which former NFL superstar O.J. Simpson was acquitted for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, who were stabbed to death in 1994. To gain a conviction in criminal court, the prosecution had to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard of near certainty. The jury determined that this burden of proof was not met, and Simpson was acquitted.

In 1996, Fred Goldman, the father of Ron Goldman, and Lou Brown, the father of Nicole Brown, filed a civil suit for wrongful death. Civil cases have a different burden of proof. Liability must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning “more likely than not.” This is a much lower threshold than what is required in a criminal case.

The civil court jury found Simpson liable and awarded the families $33.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Simpson soon filed for bankruptcy and moved to Florida to protect his pension. Most of his remaining assets were seized and auctioned, including his Heisman Trophy, which sold for $255,500 with proceeds going to the Goldman family.

This high-profile case illustrates an important truth about civil litigation. It is not about criminal guilt or innocence. Instead, it is about accountability, damages, and remedies under the law.

Understanding Civil Litigation

Civil litigation covers disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. It can include contract disputes, business conflicts, property matters, personal injury claims, and wrongful death suits. Unlike criminal trials that focus on punishment through incarceration, civil cases focus on resolving disputes, providing restitution, or enforcing rights.

At Pickler Law, civil litigation is led by attorney Byron Winsett. Byron brings years of experience that span both private practice and prosecutorial work. His background as a prosecutor gave him a deep understanding of trial preparation, evidence presentation, and courtroom advocacy. These skills are invaluable when representing clients in civil matters.

Byron now uses that experience to guide clients through what can often be a stressful and unfamiliar process. Litigation can be complex and time-consuming, but having a strong advocate at your side ensures that your rights are protected and your interests are effectively represented.

Final Thoughts

Civil litigation is about fairness, restitution, and finding solutions when conflicts arise. Byron Winsett’s career and focus on civil litigation highlight the importance of having knowledgeable, skilled attorneys available to guide clients through the process.

Be sure to tune in to the Bar Essentials podcast episode, where I will sit down with Byron to discuss his career journey, his prosecutorial background, and his current role at Pickler Law helping clients resolve disputes through civil litigation.