Walk It Through: The Argument in the Parking Lot
A shouting match over a parking space, a shove, a pistol in a waistband, and the officer who arrives.
Two drivers argue over a parking space outside a grocery store, loudly enough that shoppers stop to watch.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A public argument between two adults with one firearm. A shooting, a domestic relationship between the two, and a claim of self-defense at trial 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 conductFighting, unreasonable noise, abusive language in public, disturbing a lawful meeting, or blocking traffic, meant to cause or recklessly risking public inconvenience or annoyance.
- Aggravated assaultCausing serious bodily injury, causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or threatening with a deadly weapon, among other forms.
- Simple assaultCausing or trying to cause bodily injury, or menacing someone with fear of serious injury.
- Recklessly endangering another personRecklessly placing another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.