Bar Fights & Assault Charges: What Happens When a Night Out Turns Violent?

A night out with friends is supposed to be lighthearted, with most people wanting nothing more than some music, drinks, and good company. But sometimes, the combination of alcohol, crowded venues, and short tempers can lead to physical altercations that change everything. What might feel like a minor confrontation in the moment can quickly turn into a serious legal matter with lasting consequences.

Whether it’s a punch thrown, a drink tossed, or something more serious, bar fights often result in assault charges, and those charges can vary in severity depending on the circumstances.

Types of Assault Charges People in Phoenix Face After Bar Fights

In Arizona, assault can cover a range of actions, including threats, minor contact, or serious violence. After a bar fight, the charges you could face include:

• Assault (ARS 13-1203): Typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor when it involves causing physical injury, intentionally placing someone in fear of injury, or making offensive physical contact. Shoving someone, throwing a drink, or even aggressive threats without contact could lead to an assault charge.
  
  
• Aggravated Assault (ARS 13-1204): This felony offense may be applied when the assault causes serious physical injury, involves the use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument (even a broken bottle or pool cue), or if the victim is a protected party like a police officer, healthcare worker, or security guard. Injuries requiring medical attention can elevate a misdemeanor assault case to aggravated assault.
  
  
• Disorderly Conduct (ARS 13-2904): If you were acting aggressively, engaging in violent behavior, or using offensive language likely to provoke violence, you could be charged with disorderly conduct, even if no physical fight occurred. This is usually a misdemeanor but can become a felony if a weapon is involved.
  
  
• Criminal Damage (ARS 13-1602): If property (like bar furniture, windows, or personal belongings) is damaged during the altercation, you could face criminal damage charges in addition to assault-related charges.

Is Public Intoxication a Crime in Arizona?

Unlike some other states, Arizona does not have a separate public intoxication criminal charge. Simply being drunk in public isn’t illegal by itself in our state. However, if intoxication leads to disorderly conduct, assault, or property damage, charges related to those actions may apply.

If multiple people are involved or you’re accused of instigating the violence, prosecutors may file additional charges based on your role. Surveillance footage and witness testimony often heavily influence what charges are pursued after a bar fight.

Is Being Provoked a Defense?

Some people are under the misconception that being provoked provides a free pass to react violently. Unfortunately for people who throw a punch or start pushing a person who insulted them, that’s rarely the case.

While provocation may help reduce the severity of the charges, especially if the other person initiated physical contact, it’s not a guaranteed defense. Courts generally expect people to walk away from confrontation unless they are acting in true self-defense (ARS 13-404). To claim self-defense, you must show that:

• You didn’t start the fight.
• You had a reasonable fear of imminent harm.
• Your response was proportionate to the threat.

If you initially reasonably defended yourself but continued fighting after the threat subsided or escalated the situation (for example, by chasing someone down), it becomes harder to argue self-defense.

Does Being Intoxicated Affect Your Case?

In short—no, it doesn’t help you.

Being under the influence might explain your behavior, but it doesn’t excuse it in the eyes of the court. In fact, alcohol often worsens your legal situation. Prosecutors may use your intoxication as evidence that you were reckless or unable to control your actions.

In some cases, intoxication might be considered during sentencing, especially if it's part of a pattern. For example, if you’ve been in other alcohol-related incidents or have a DUI on record, it could suggest a broader issue and lead to tougher penalties.

On the flip side, if this was clearly an isolated mistake and you take steps like attending anger management or alcohol education, that could be viewed favorably by the court.

What to Do After You’ve Been Involved in a Bar Fight

If you were involved in a bar fight and police were called, or even if they weren’t, you should take the situation seriously:

• Avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal counsel.
  
  
• Gather any evidence that might support your side of the story (videos, witness names).
  
  
• If you were injured, get medical attention immediately and document your injuries.
  
  
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and next steps.

Are You Facing Assault Charges After a Bar Fight in Phoenix? Get an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

The Law Office of Michael Alarid III helps people charged with assault in Phoenix navigate these situations. With years of experience defending individuals facing violent crime charges, Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Alarid III understands how to protect your rights and present a strong defense.

Contact the Law Office of Michael Alarid III by calling (602) 818-3110.