Alcohol affects people in different ways. It may lower your inhibition and increase sensitivity. When out at the bar, this may result in a verbal exchange turning physical much quicker than if you were sober.
Judgment often goes out the window when you tie one on at the bar, but when a brawl breaks out, the law is against you. The court does not take such exchanges lightly, and if you try and fight your way around the local pub, you may find yourself facing serious consequences.
Disorderly conduct charges
Does it matter who threw the first punch? If you were inciting the other person by taunting or harassing them, you may face disorderly conduct charges. These are typically misdemeanor with some jail time and fines. You may also face an enhanced disturbing the peace charge.
Assault charges
Barroom fights may prove difficult for the police to investigate. As such, you may find yourself facing a tougher assault charge. Think your words do not matter? Think again. If the police show you verbally threatened someone with violence, you may find yourself facing the same charge. If the prosecutor shows you were reckless and caused someone else harm, you may face things such as
- Jail time from six months to a year
- Financial responsibility for the other person’s injuries
- Fines up to $1,000
If you cause serious injury to someone resulting in permanent damage, you may face felony assault charges. These are the most serious and come with serious repercussions, such as up to 50 years in prison.
Bar fights do not happen when level heads prevail. Avoiding one is better than dealing with the aftermath.
