A bar fight that seems minor in the moment can quickly escalate into a criminal matter in Texas. Even if no one is seriously hurt and the situation appears to resolve quickly, if you’re involved in this kind of altercation, you could still face charges that could potentially result in serious legal consequences.
Many people are surprised to learn that actions taken in the heat of the moment—especially in a setting like a bar—can lead to lasting criminal records, fines and even jail time.
What’s the big deal?
In Texas, any physical altercation that involves unwanted contact can be classified as assault. You don’t need to cause visible injury to be charged. A shove, slap or punch—even if it leaves no mark—can still result in a Class C misdemeanor assault charge, which carries a fine of up to $500. If the contact causes pain or injury, the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. If a weapon is involved or if serious bodily harm occurs, you could be looking at felony charges.
Alcohol often plays a role in bar fights, but intoxication is not a legal defense to assault. Claiming you were drunk may explain the behavior, but it doesn’t excuse it under Texas law. In fact, alcohol can make things worse if prosecutors argue it contributed to reckless or aggressive conduct.
Self-defense is a possible legal defense in some bar fight cases. If you were trying to protect yourself from harm and used reasonable force in response, your attorney may be able to build a case that shows you acted within your rights. However, proving self-defense requires a careful review of witness statements, security footage and other details. What feels like self-defense in the moment may not look that way in a courtroom.
If you’ve been charged with assault or any other crime after a bar fight, it’s important not to dismiss the matter as “no big deal.” A criminal conviction can impact your job, housing options and future opportunities. Speaking with a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is your best chance at protecting your rights.