What aspect distinguishes a civil investigation from a criminal one?

A civil investigation is distinct from a criminal investigation primarily based on the level of evidence required to support claims or allegations. In civil cases, the standard is typically "preponderance of the evidence," meaning that it is more likely than not that the claim is true. This is a lower threshold compared to criminal cases, which require "beyond a reasonable doubt" to secure a conviction.

The varying levels of evidence not only affect the outcome but also shape the approach taken by investigators in gathering and analyzing information. For instance, in civil investigations, evidence may be collected to establish liability or damages rather than to prove guilt in the same rigorous manner required for criminal investigations.

While the other options address important characteristics of each type of investigation—such as location and type of penalties—none capture the fundamental difference in the level of evidence as clearly as this option does. Civil cases generally result in financial penalties or orders for action rather than criminal penalties like imprisonment. Thus, the emphasis on the evidentiary standards highlights the key distinction between civil and criminal investigations.