I was involved in a physical fist fight at a bar last weekend. I was originally attempting to break up a fight between a guy at the bar and my friend. The guy got physical with me and hit me first so I began attacking him back. I was a bit intoxicated at the time too. The cops showed up and now I am being charged with disorderly conduct for public intoxication (the fight took place out on the street), and fighting. I recieved a few bruises and cuts on my face but I think the other guy got his nose broken, which was much well deserved in my opinon. What type of penalties am I looking forward to? Will there be jail time??
I am being charged with disorderly conduct for fighting, what are the laws and penalties for this?
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Answer: (1)
Disorderly conduct, if it is a first offense, can sometimes be charged then later dropped depending on the details of what had occured. If you have multiple witnesses claiming the other guy began the fight, it could be dropped. If you are charged and convicted, given its a first offense, you will probably just get a misdemeanor and pay a fine. Al though that doesn't sound too bad, it can go on your permanent record and be a major drawback in obtaining future employment.
Repeat offenses can even land you a felony and mandatory jail time, so hopefully you had no prior record. Considering the guy got his nose broken, he may sue for damages even though he began the fight. Each states laws are different around this matter in term of what can be charged and convicted, and the resulting penalties.
It would be a good idea to consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney for the following two reasons:
1.) Avoiding jail time and preventing it from being on your record
2.) Getting the charges reduced as well as defending the plantiffs request for compensation for the injuries.
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Posted by Staff Writer on 22 Jan 2010