Walk It Through: Closing Time
A reasonable request to leave, a disturbance of the peace, and a touching meant to provoke.
At closing time, the manager tells a regular to leave, with a drink still on the bar.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One night at one bar. Self defense, aggravated assault, and trespass at a home or a fenced yard are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Disorderly conductIntent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or knowledge of doing so, together with an act such as fighting, unreasonable noise, or abusive language likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation.
- Misdemeanor classHow Arizona grades misdemeanors: class 1 carries up to six months and $2,500, class 2 up to four months and $750, class 3 up to 30 days and $500.
- Criminal trespassKnowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on real property after a reasonable request to leave, or reasonable notice prohibiting entry: trespass in the third degree, a class 3 misdemeanor.
- Reckless drivingDriving a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. A class 2 misdemeanor, and the judge may order the driving privilege suspended for not more than 90 days.
- AssaultIntentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury, intentionally placing someone in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury, or knowingly touching someone with intent to injure, insult or provoke.