The consequences of violating which type of law may lead to criminal prosecution?

The consequences of violating criminal law may lead to criminal prosecution because criminal law is designed to address actions that are considered offenses against society as a whole. When an individual or entity breaks a criminal law, it typically results in charges brought by the government, which can lead to penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or community service. The focus of criminal law is to maintain public order and to deter wrongful behavior that could harm individuals or society.

In contrast, civil law generally deals with disputes between private parties and the focus is on compensation or restitution rather than punishment. Regulatory law refers to regulations imposed by governmental agencies, which can lead to civil penalties but not criminal charges. Administrative law governs the actions of administrative agencies, often involving regulatory compliance, rather than criminal prosecution. Therefore, criminal law is the only type of law among the options given that directly leads to criminal prosecution.