Civil suits have a lower standard of proof, and are not covered by double jeopardy rules. This is why OJ can be found innocent (and he was, regardless of whether or not that was a good decision, a court of law found him innocent, and he should be treated as such)....then they sued him civilly for "wrongful death".
Personally, I think they should have thrown out that civil suit, since he already beat a more stringent standard of proof, he shouldn‘t be succeptible to the lower standard....if you can‘t find him guilty, change what you call "guilty"?...
Suing first, before criminal prosecution however, may imply a need for money, rather than a need for justice. I uphold the justice system. Let Mikey have his day in court, and if he wins, I think he should sue the parents for their house. Too many **** frivolous suits in the States - needs to be some cost of losing a lawsuit you shouldn‘t have brought in the first place. If *he* loses, well then....the rest isn‘t an issue any more....
I‘m bettin‘ the best Micheal Jackson prank inside would be stealing his nose. ;-)