Nowadays, fewer people venture to restaurants, nightclubs and bars to socialize with friends, meet new people and enjoy a pleasant evening of food and drink. Attribute this to the global health crisis. This change in social environments has led to occasional neighborhood evening gatherings in someone’s backyard or driveway.
The change of scenery still brings laughter, conversation and storytelling with a generous sprinkling of alcohol among friends and acquaintances. However, such scenarios can end abruptly when the unexpected happens. Words get misinterpreted, insults get spewed and tempers flare. A punch thrown out of anger and a fist to the face can lead to serious injuries and criminal assault charges.
Self-defense and duress
A violent crime affects everyone involved. Who could have predicted that a pleasant evening would conclude with a bloodied person lying flat on the ground? Assault is a violent crime that can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
When faced with assault charges, you need a skilled attorney who may pursue one of a few options regarding criminal defense. They may include:
- Self-defense: An impromptu act of violence likely requires you to defend yourself against an aggressor.
- Justifiable: In order to avoid injury yourself, you are forced to take action.
- Under duress: The instinct of self-preservation surfaces when suddenly put under pressure if another person initiates an attack on you.
- Unintended consequences: When an injury occurs, even though you had not intended to harm the other individual.
If you are on the hot seat related to an assault, you face criminal charges, the likelihood of probation, steep fines and restitution. In addition, the victim may pursue a civil action against you. If a neighborhood scuffle turns into a serious altercation with injuries, it is a good advice to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney.