People who cause physical injuries to others through violence could face assault charges. While assault may not be as serious as homicide, it is a violent crime that can cause complications if it shows up during a background check. The accused person also faces significant criminal penalties.
Assault charges can be the result of someone turning a verbal fight physical or becoming aggressive toward their family members. Other times, assault charges may follow a fight that the combatants agreed upon ahead of time.
Mutual combat occurs when two or more people agree to resolve a disagreement through a physical confrontation. Can people accused of assault offenses avoid prosecution or a conviction by establishing that they engaged in mutual combat rather than a one-sided attack?
People cannot agree to break the law
In very specific scenarios, an agreement to engage in physical confrontations might not warrant prosecution. Those participating in sports, such as boxing, typically do not have to worry about prosecution after training or a scheduled fight.
However, those who engage in fisticuffs or a physical scuffle outside of a bar or at a party cannot protect themselves legally by simply agreeing to fight ahead of time. Only a few states recognize mutual combat as grounds to avoid assault charges, and Maryland is not one of them. That being said, there are other defense strategies that could prove effective.
People hoping to avoid assault convictions often need guidance as they attempt to develop criminal defense strategies. Learning more about what the law permits can help a defendant minimize the impact that a recent fight might have on their future.
If you defended a friend, check the rules on defending a friend.