Walk It Through: The Argument in the Parking Lot
Shouting outside a bar, a shove, a threat over a phone, and a police order to leave.
Two men argue loudly in a bar parking lot at closing time. One is plainly drunk and stumbling into cars.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A night of loud words and one shove with no injury. An assault causing injury, a weapon, and any self defense claim in court are not part of this walkthrough.
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.
- Class A misdemeanorThe higher class of misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
- Physical injurySubstantial physical pain or any impairment of physical condition.
- Terroristic threateningThreatening a crime likely to cause death, serious physical injury or substantial property damage, or making false statements to cause an evacuation.
- Harassing communicationsCommunicating by phone, mail or electronic means with intent to harass and no legitimate purpose, a Class B misdemeanor.
- ViolationAn offense punishable by a fine only, with no jail.
- WantonlyThe mental state in wanton endangerment: wantonly creating a substantial danger of physical injury, or in the first degree, of death or serious physical injury.
- Alcohol intoxicationAppearing in a public place so plainly under the influence of alcohol that the person may endanger themselves, others or property, or unreasonably annoys people nearby.