Accused of Sexual Misbehavior and Ejected from a Bar

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland.

I went to a bar complex after a run wearing running tights. As I have some bladder control issues, I went to a bathroom stall to check things out. I bouncer shouted from the door to "you can't do that here!" and demanded I leave, another bouncer escorted me out. I went to another nearby bar in this complex to further check things out. As I was leaving the washroom, another bouncer aggressively grabbed my arm, twisted it behind me, and pushed me all the way out to the street where he detained me.

Other bouncers gathered and asked if I was a registered sex offender. I spoke to the bouncer who grabbed me to explain and all he muttered was things about the state's attorney's office and said I'd have to wait for the police. He demanded I show him my ID to which I foolishly relented and he took a photo of it. Now I feel really threatened and I pleaded with him, told him I have a government clearance, how this could ruin my life. All he said was "I'm just doing my job", expressed no sympathy and reminded me of a skinhead.

A police officer eventually came, the bouncer spoke to him, after a minute I was offered an opportunity to speak with him. Told the officer my side of the story, and he said "he didn't see anything himself" and said I could go. Next day I see a huge bruise on my arm where the bouncer grabbed me. I'm worried sick that they will press charges or refer my ID to the prosecutor's office. Meanwhile, I was the one assaulted and I have a picture of my arm to prove it.

What should I do? Should I call the bar to ask them to delete my ID and not do anything in exchange for me not pressing assault charges? Should I call the prosecutor's office? I'm worried that I will get a summons or a call... this could destroy my life! Any thoughts or advice is welcome!

Press charges for what? You have apparently left something out of your story.

The statement of “you can’t do that here” also makes no sense. What were you doing that was objectionable?

it sounds very odd that you went to a second bar to continue to check things out. Just what could take so much time to check out?

i will say that if you were not a patron of the business, you have no right to use their restroom

Thanks for responding. I got the clear sense they thought I was playing with myself when I was checking myself out. Somebody must have seen something through a crack or something. I was simply trying to get pee out of my private parts as it can leak out sometimes. A twist, or climbing a step and I can feel a dribble. At any rate, I didn't want to have wet spots on my running tights. Yes, it was odd, and very foolish, but now I'm in a worry space. The bouncer seemed extremely aggressive, mean and like he was on a mission of some sort. As for the assault, he offensively laid his hands on me causing an injury --- that is assault and he did not need to do that. Had he asked me to leave, I would have done so without any drama.

The bar can throw you out for just about any reason they can conceive other than the few that are protected (race, etc...).

If the bouncer didn't call the cops on you on the spot, it's unlikely he or the management will pursue this further UNLESS you return to the place you've been told to stay away from. Yes, it is within their rights to ban you for nearly any reason.

Furhter, once you're told to leave or not return, your crime ceases to be come subjective as to what you are doing, it's called criminal trespass and you can go to jail for it.

Unless the officer cited or arrested you on the spot, chances are it's all over and done with. If they said never to return to the bar, don't return to the bar.

I suspect there are some details being left out of this tale, but it appears that you should have nothing to worry about from this particular encounter.

I do appreciate your response. Still worried as the bouncer has a picture of my driver's license. He really seemed like he needed to prove something although when I said how this could ruin my life, I saw a faint glimmer of humanity. I was so dumb to go there and dumb to give him my ID. The officer justified letting me go by saying "I didn't see anything" (i.e., he didn't have probably cause), but what is the likelihood the bar wants to be aggressive and the bouncer files a complaint? I know they have better things to do, but he did say he was going to write an incident report. Also, I could be blackmailed. Geez. I do appreciate your sentiments and your signature line ... I just hope they don't file any charges ... seems that it wouldn't do them any good. Arghhhh ... I wish I could stop worrying. Thanks again for your response.

The bouncer doesn’t file charges. They would file a report. After that it would be up to the police or prosecutor to take it any further.

If you have been fairly open here I don’t see any crime nor do I see a basis for the police to really give it any attention.

Thanks for your response. In the bouncers' views, I was playing with myself in the stall, at least that's what I gleaned from what they were saying. What is the likelihood they file a report to the police? And if they do, what is the likelihood the police pursue this? As I said, I have a clearance, and this is very threatening to me. I wish I hadn't let the bouncer take a picture of my drivers license. If they go through the trouble of filing a report, how long would it be before I hear anything if they pursue things? I'm trying to not freak out, but this is very very unsettling.

In order asked:

Given the fact the police were called, there may already be a report. Or the officer may have just written it off. Who knows?

Can't say but again, probably not too likely. Jerkin' the gherkin in a bathroom stall happens. Yes, I know that isn't what you were doing but I'm just saying in general, it happens. You were in the stall facing away from the door, riiiight? If not, it's good advise for next time.

You could hear something anytime between 20 minutes from now and whenever the statute of limitations for whatever they might think of charging you with runs out.

Any idea why the bouncer was even in there? Did he come in to use the bathroom, just doing rounds or did maybe someone report that they thought you were doing something inappropriate in there?

Further, it's probably pretty clear to the cop that even if you were jerking off in the stall, that's not criminal behavior. Indecent exposure requires doing so in public and where others are present and may witness the act.