A seemingly ordinary night at a local bar can take a dramatic turn, leading to felony criminal charges for those involved.
Understanding how such a situation can escalate is important for anyone looking to avoid serious legal consequences.
1. Altercation escalation
It all begins with a simple altercation between patrons. These disagreements can stem from various causes, such as heated arguments, misunderstandings or alcohol-fueled disputes. When tempers flare and fists start flying, a misdemeanor assault charge may be the initial outcome.
2. Aggravated assault
However, if the altercation turns into an aggravated assault, the situation becomes more severe. In Oklahoma, aggravated assault occurs when a person intentionally inflicts severe bodily harm or uses a dangerous weapon during a fight. The involvement of a weapon elevates the charges to a higher level, increasing the potential for felony charges.
3. Felonious intent
Felony charges become more likely if the prosecution can demonstrate felonious intent. This means that the person accused of assault had the intent to cause serious harm or even kill their opponent during the bar fight. The severity of the injuries sustained and the circumstances surrounding the altercation help determine intent.
4. Multiple offenses
If the bar fight involves multiple individuals and results in several people suffering severe injuries, the legal repercussions can escalate significantly. Oklahoma law allows prosecutors to charge each participant individually, potentially leading to multiple felony charges for those involved.
Every year, enjoying too many drinks leads to the arrest of approximately 316,000 Americans. In some situations, those charges can easily lead to long-term consequences.