Walk It Through: The Fight Outside the Bar
Slurs at closing time, a shove that leaves a cut, an arm pulled away from an officer, and an arrest.
At closing time, two groups argue on the sidewalk outside a bar. One man shouts slurs and makes threatening gestures.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A sidewalk fight at closing time with a minor injury. A serious injury, the bar's own liability, and a civil suit for damages 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.
- Personal recognizanceRelease before trial on a promise to appear, which a bailable defendant gets unless the magistrate decides it will not assure appearance or will jeopardize someone's safety.
- Simple misdemeanorThe lowest level of public offense, carrying a fine of $105 to $855, with up to 30 days in jail in place of or beside the fine.
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- AssaultAn act meant to cause pain, injury or offensive contact, or to put someone in fear of it, with the apparent ability to carry it out; or intentionally pointing a firearm at someone or displaying a dangerous weapon threateningly.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- Dangerous weaponAny firearm, a knife with a blade over five inches, a stun device, and anything used in a way showing intent to kill or seriously injure.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Willful injuryAn unjustified act meant to cause serious injury, a class D felony when it causes bodily injury and a class C felony when it causes serious injury.
- Interference with official actsKnowingly resisting or obstructing a known peace officer, jailer, emergency medical provider or firefighter in a lawful duty, a simple misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $250.