If you frequent local bars enough in Utah, chances are you may witness a bar fight. When alcohol is involved in the simplest things, misunderstandings can lead to a full-blown physical altercation. This can happen between strangers, or sometimes between co-workers, acquaintances, or even friends. Sometimes these fights end in just a few punches, and security or other patrons can break it up before things get out of hand. In other cases, the police are called, and participants in the fight can find themselves in a world of unexpected trouble. The fact of the matter is that bar fights are not harmless. Even if no one was seriously injured and everyone was able to walk away, shaking hands with the anger out of their system. This article is intended to help provide answers to those asking what happens if you get criminally charged for a bar fight in Utah.
What causes a bar fight?
It is important to remember that although people involved in the fist-fight may feel justified, police or security guards may not see things the same way. Although bar fights are a relatively common occurrence, they can almost always be avoided. Below are some of the most common reasons that a fight will break out where alcohol is served.
- Alcohol will lower our ability to manage our emotions. In an article provided by Live Science, people who regularly suppress their anger are more likely to fight when drunk. Perhaps you have seen someone who can be referred to as an “angry drunk.” As the article leads us to conclude, people are more likely to take out bottled aggression when they consume alcohol. Things that would not upset a person under normal circumstances can become a trigger that leads to fighting.
- Men are likely to fight in bars to impress other men. This is especially the case when a woman or significant other is involved. People tend to get protective of their partner in a bar, club, or lounge and can retaliate if they feel a line was crossed. Perhaps someone appeared to be flirting or hitting on someone’s partner. Hundreds of bar fights a year happen in Utah over someone punching or pushing another because they felt threatened by another person’s actions.
- Poor sportsmanship or sore loosing after a friendly game turns serious. One of the leading causes of a bar fight happens when people get competitive with one another. Many Salt Lake City bars have things like pool tables, darts, beer pong, and even air hockey designed to entertain guests as they drink. Perhaps a friendly game takes a wrong turn when a person has a hard time losing. They can also happen if money was placed on the game as a bet, or another person taunts or makes fun of someone for losing a game or contest.
Are there going to be legal consequences?
Now that we have looked at common reasons that bar fights happen, let’s take a look at the legal ramifications that can occur.
Disturbing the Peace or Disorderly Conduct. These charges are a misdemeanor offense that can carry both fines and possible jail times. Fines can range from $300 to $700 or more. Jail time can include up to 90 days in jail, depending on previous criminal convictions and the circumstances’ details and seriousness.
An Assault Charge. Many people that have been involved in a bar fight can find themselves charged with a misdemeanor assault charge. As you can probably assume, the punishments for these crimes are harsher than only disturbing the peace. People can face fines of up to $1000 and up to 6 months in county jail. These charges can and will increase if a deadly weapon was involved and the general circumstances of the fight.
Battery and Felony Charges. Physically charging damage to another person can lead to a felony charge, especially if a significant amount of bodily harm was done. For example, if one person had to be hospitalized due to injuries sustained from the fight.
How can I defend myself?
Experienced Salt Lake City defense attorneys may be able to look at your case and help establish justifiable reasons to help protect those accused’s rights. Unfortunately, alcohol is involved is not a good defense. Perhaps, however, the fight resulted from one person defending themselves or another person from real or perceived physical harm. If you have been charged or arrested due to a bar fight in Utah, call The Ault Firm today at 801-987-8409 to speak with a legal professional about your options.