It begins as a fun night out with friends, only to suddenly take a serious turn. It may have started as a heated argument or a shove at the bar, but it quickly escalated into a criminal charge with life-altering consequences.
The line between a misdemeanor fight and a felony offense isn’t always obvious. Still, crossing that line can mean the difference between a minor charge and years in prison.
The consequences of a felony conviction
Physical altercations are typically charged as either simple assault or simple battery if the conduct only involved minor threats or physical contact, which are usually misdemeanors.
However, certain factors can turn the situation into aggravated assault or aggravated battery. Both of these are felonies.
A bar fight could become a felony offense if any of the following elements are present:
- Use of a weapon: It doesn’t necessarily need to be a gun or knife. Everyday items, such as bottles, glasses and bar stools, can be considered deadly weapons if they are used in a way that could seriously harm another.
- Serious bodily injury: Someone sustains significant injuries, like broken bones, disfigurement or injuries requiring surgery.
- Intent to cause serious harm: The accused wanted to hurt the other person severely. Repeated striking, targeting vulnerable areas or continuing the beating when the other person is already on the ground are examples of intent.
A conviction for aggravated assault carries steep penalties, including several years in prison, fines and a permanent criminal record. It can also affect employment opportunities, housing and the right to own firearms.
If you’re facing charges after a bar fight, your next steps matter, so you may want to speak with a legal representative who can build a strong defense strategy to help protect your rights and your future.