What Are the Odds of Criminal Charges from a Bar Fight
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Kentucky
I was involved in a fight a couple nights ago at a local bar. I was shoved by a guy from behind and didn't see who it was. After a couple minutes my friend pointed out who did it and the alcohol I had consumed that night took control and I acted in a way I've never acted before and gave the guy a punch in the side of the head. This wasn't a mike tyson punch that knocked the guy down or anything, but a punch to the head nonetheless. We were both escorted outside by friends and a policeman said he had to get my information. While getting my information I asked him if this means that I'm being charged with a crime and he said "no, it's just what I legally have to do if there's an altercation in case anything comes of it later". The other guy didn't have any visible injuries and was talking and moving around just fine so I don't imagine there could possibly be an injury report. My question is will anything likely come of this or am I in the clear? Is it common for these things to come back to bite you later even if there was citation given or arrest made at the scene and the officer did not witness anything happen? How common do these types of cases just die? thanks
Re: Bar Fight Ramifications
as a former bar owner, I have seen plenty of these types of things,, none have went to court for personal damages at a later date that I know of,, not to say it cant happen though, I suspect it might have more to do with the type of bar, if its a bar in a cheaper area where people tend to settle things with fists compared to say a bar in a really upscale part of town a lawsuit might likely happen, my bar was in a blue collar steel worker type of setting and nobody ever sued at a later date.
Re: Bar Fight Ramifications
While it possible that you could be charged later, chances are you will not.
Try and relax.
One big problem with alcohol is that it can cause people to act in ways they otherwise would not. It removes inhibitions that otherwise constrain us from acting on our self-destructive impulses. It's just one reason why I never frequent bars (unless it's in the course of my employment, of course).
Re: Bar Fight Ramifications
What my esteemed colleague from California said, with the following caveat:
You better hope that guy doesn't die in the next few years and the medical examiner says it's because of a medical process that began when he was hit. More than a few people have went up on murder charges for punches delivered 5 + years prior.
What are the chances of that happening? Who knows. Avoid fights in the future.
Re: Bar Fight Ramifications
Exactly what DD said. That is why the officer informed you that he was getting the info in case something came of it later. It wouldn't be the first time that alcohol and adrenaline impaired someone's ability to realize they were seriously injured and the next day they went to the hospital only to discover they had a head fracture or more serious injury. I've had to try to conduct these retroactive investigations after the fact and it's a pain in the tailpipe because memories fade and other drunks later decide they don't want to be involved. Whereas if we get identification and statements at the scene we can more easily investigate should it be necessary later.
That being said, chances are this is done and over with. If contacted by the police, consult legal counsel immediately.