Bar Fights May Lead to Criminal Charges
When two people get into a fight in a bar, they may not just be risking injury to themselves. In some cases, they could also be risking criminal charges. Many states, including Florida, have laws that make it a crime to fight in public, even if the altercation does not result in any serious injuries. If you get into a fight in a bar, you could find yourself charged with disorderly conduct, assault, and/or battery and end up in the middle of a criminal defense case. You may need to ask yourself, “Do I need a lawyer?” Read on for more information about the personal and legal consequences of fighting and being charged with assault resulting from a bar fight.
Consequences of Being in a Bar Fight
Arguments at a bar can quickly turn into a bar fight, especially when egos and pride get in the way and when alcohol is involved. With Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day festivities underway, be mindful of yourself, your friends and those close to you as you enjoy the events. Also be aware of others who may be keen on instigating altercations. Keep your distance so you don’t find yourself on the receiving end of a bar fight, or worse, causing one. But what happens if you do get into a bar fight?
Personal Injury
Getting into a bar fight can do more harm than you think. First, it can cause bodily injury to you and the other person. Things like minor scrapes and bruises are common and easily treatable, but broken facial and hand bones are also common and these require emergency and ongoing care. More severe injuries are also possible.
Types of Legal Consequences
Additionally, bar fights can result in criminal charges. Assault is a common charge and though there are different levels of assault charges, it comes down to the state being required to prove that you intended to harm the other person and were able to do so. If a bar fight does escalate and someone is seriously injured, you could be facing aggravated assault, which is a much more serious charge. Depending on the charge and if you’re convicted you could face a fine, jail time and a criminal record. Here are the most common types of charges that could be brought against someone engaging in a bar fight.
Disorderly Intoxication
If you’re intoxicated and become a threat to those around you, management at the bar can ask you to leave. If police are called in to handle it you could face a disorderly intoxication charge.
Disorderly Conduct
Also known as breaching the peace. If you or someone you know is involved in a bar fight within public view, they could be charged with disorderly conduct.
Assault
You could face an assault charge if you intended to harm, and were able to harm, another person during a bar fight. If a weapon such as a knife, bottle or pool cue are used, this charge could escalate to a higher degree of assault.
Manslaughter
Though rare, people do lose their lives in fights, and the risk for this is heightened greatly when alcohol is involved. If loss of life occurs, a manslaughter charge could be brought.
When to Seek Advice from a Lawyer
If you are charged with fighting or assault resulting from a bar fight, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help protect your rights and may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether.
Will You Need a Lawyer?
If you are charged with fighting or assault in a bar, the answer is most likely yes. It is important to have representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and help reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
If you are charged, contact the law office of Avera and Smith today for more information about your legal options. Our team of Gainesville lawyers has many years of experience defending clients accused of fighting and facing assault charges from bar fights. If you are facing criminal charges, we can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for more information, and let us guide you through the process. We’ll be by your side from start to finish. Why settle for less?