The Consequences of Getting into a Bar Fight

In cases where alcohol is consumed, it is very easy for situations rapidly spiral into something more troublesome than ever expected. An aggressive person may start a bar fight for no reason and turn a nice night out into a dreadful situation, especially when the police get involved. There are several criminal charges someone involved in a bar fight can face, which can prove to be much more problematic than the bar fight ever was.

Types of Different Criminal Charges 

There are various legal consequences that people involved bar fight in Florida can encounter, which may include the following:

1. Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct is basically a violation or disruption of the peace. While in a public place, people are required to act with a sense of decency. Bars are considered public places, which means bar fighters can be charged for disorderly conduct because they breached the peace. This is a 2^nd degree misdemeanor charge that can lead to fines or even time in jail.
2. Disorderly Intoxication: Disorderly intoxication happens when someone has been drinking alcohol and turns into a danger or menace to people in their vicinity. Drunk people can be asked by the bar tender or even police to leave the bar before the situation gets out of hand. In cases where another person gets hurt as a result of an altercation, the drunk can be charged with a 2^nd degree misdemeanor for disorderly intoxication.
3. Aggravated Battery: Someone can be charged with aggravated battery if, during the bar fight, they had the intent to bring about serious bodily harm to another person.  In cases where a weapon is brought into the fight the charges can be greatly amplified. Liquor bottles, pocket knives and even bar stools could all be considered a weapon for this purpose. Aggravated battery is a 2^nd degree felony.
4. Manslaughter: The loss of another’s life, especially in the course of a bar fight is unfortunate. Although someone dying in a bar fight is totally avoidable, it can occur in a worst-case scenario. Cases of manslaughter can be considered either voluntary or involuntary. Involuntary manslaughter takes place when another person is accidentally killed during the fight or in a struggle. For instance, if you punched someone and they fell on the ground and hit their head really hard and die. Voluntary manslaughter consists of intentionally killing the other person while in the middle of the fight. It takes place in the heat of the moment and is fueled by emotions, which cause an abrupt intent to act in a manner that kills the other person. Both involuntary and voluntary manslaughter can lead to serious prison time.
   

Contact an Experienced Criminal Attorney Today

If you have been arrested or charged with any of the above crimes, especially aggravated battery or manslaughter, we highly suggest that you seek a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. We do not recommend electing to have a public defender represent you. The penalties for aggravated battery and manslaughter both carry severe life-long negative consequences.

An experienced attorney at Baginski Brandt & Brandt will fight hard to have your criminal charges dropped or greatly reduced, depending on the circumstances of your case. After thoroughly reviewing all the facts, we will create the most suitable and strategic defense. We will represent you throughout every step of your criminal proceedings, from preliminary questioning, through the arrest, charges, and if necessary, trial.

The Port St. Lucie criminal attorneys at Baginski Brandt & Brandt have over 30 years of combined legal experience. You can count on our qualified team to zealously fight to keep you out of jail or prison. Call today at 772-466-0707 or contact us online to discuss your bar fight related criminal charges in more detail.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0877/Sections/0877.03.html

https://www.bbblegal.com/what-is-entrapment/