Attorney for Riverside and San Bernardino Residents Charged With Violent Crimes

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a night out with friends at a bar, tavern, or night club. In fact, San Bernardino and Riverside have great selection of saloons, lounges, dance halls, and night clubs where friends can gather to have a good time and enjoy the night life. Most of the time, these outings end peacefully, with everyone heading home and going about their usual business the next day. Unfortunately, however, not every stop-off at the neighborhood watering hole ends this way. Bar fights, assaults, and other altercations are not uncommon, and many a bar patron has found himself or herself in handcuffs. At Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC, we know that a night out on the town can sometimes end very differently than originally planned. If you are in need of a Riverside or San Bernardino assault defense lawyer following a bar fight, we are here to help you defend your legal rights.

In the movies, bar fights and assaults typically result from an insult or remark made to one patron by another, or perhaps a brawl might ensue between rivals for the affection of a potential romantic partner. While altercations can happen like this, many assault cases stemming from bar fights originate not from a disagreement between bar patrons but, rather due to a conflict between a patron and an employee of the bar. Perhaps the bartender refused to serve the patron because the patron appeared to be intoxicated already, or maybe a bouncer asked the patron to leave because he or she was making a scene. Regardless of the source of the conflict, police were called, and criminal charges were filed.

Defending Against an Assault Charge Following a Bar Fight

Just as with other types of criminal cases, an arrest for misdemeanor or felony assault does not automatically mean that the person accused of criminal behavior is guilty as charged. There may be a legitimate defense to the charges, such as self-defense, or there may be a possibility of having a particular charge reduced to a lesser offense (with less severe punishment) via a plea bargain. There could even be a constitutional defense, such as an illegally obtained confession that violated the 5th Amendment right to remain silent or the 6th Amendment right to counsel. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts of the case with an eye towards protecting the defendant from harm caused by illegally obtained evidence and, if necessary, file a motion to exclude physical evidence or statements that were the product of faulty police work.

It is important that an assault charge stemming from a bar fight be vigorously defended. A criminal conviction, especially if the defendant is charged with a felony offense, can have many negative long-range consequences. Convicted felons can lose important civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm, the right to vote, and the right to run for public office. Those convicted of any type of crime may also face difficulties finding work and housing in the future, and they may experience problems in their personal or family relationships. Additionally, there may be a lengthy period of incarceration or a hefty fine that accompanies the conviction.

Knowledgeable San Bernardino and Riverside Assault Defense Attorney

If you or a member of your family is facing an assault charge, Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC may be able to help. We regularly defend those involved in bar fights and alleged assaults, battery, weapons offenses, and other crimes in and around Riverside County and San Bernardino. To schedule an appointment to discuss your case in detail, call us or contact us online. We can go over the facts surrounding the charges, identify potential defenses, and answer any questions you may have about the next steps in the proceedings. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for your future.