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Bar fights: disciplinary action and felony charges

On Behalf of | Mar 7, 2023 | Criminal Defense

Aside from education, entering college is also one way to meet new friends and bond over a few drinks after a long week of classes. Unfortunately, there are times when drinking in bars or restaurants leads to heated arguments, which can turn into fights. While it is ideal for involved parties to peacefully settle the fight before the night ends, some end up facing serious trouble. Depending on the circumstances, involved students may face school disciplinary sanctions and felony charges.

University-imposed sanctions

Universities and colleges take misconduct and allegations seriously since they have to protect their students and the school’s name. If the school or court finds a student guilty of assault, on or off campus, their school may impose any of the following penalties:

  • Disciplinary warning
  • Loss of privileges (such as scholarship grants)
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Suspension
  • Dismissal
  • Expulsion

On top of school sanctions, an involved student may also face felony charges.

Possible offenses

Whether making a simple threat, engaging in a fistfight or attacking another person with a weapon, an involved party can be charged with assault. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the fight, charges may be any of the following:

  • Disorderly conduct. This includes fights involving any type of violence, threat and overall unruly behavior.
  • Simple assault. A charge of simple assault covers threats to injure another or engaging in any physical fight which results in minor injuries.
  • Aggravated assault. If the physical fight results in severe injuries or if one uses a deadly weapon during the brawl, it falls under aggravated assault.

An involved individual may also sue for damages to pay for medical bills, lost income and emotional or mental damages.

Getting involved in any fight can cause a college student a lot of trouble. If a student is guilty of misconduct, it could reflect on their school record and affect future academic and employment opportunities. Charged students and their parents can explore possible defenses with an experienced defense attorney to keep their records clean.