Town hall meetings aren’t supposed to work like this.
On December 8, 2015, a town board meeting in Hymera, Indiana got out of hand when a dispute over the town marshal position erupted into a brawl. You can watch video of concerned citizens throwing punches here. Look closely, and you can see the former marshal trying to eye-gouge the marshal-elect.
Based on this video recording, the male in the gray hoodie, the male in the red shirt (the former town marshal), and the female in the gray shirt could be facing misdemeanor battery charges.
Battery occurs when someone knowingly or intentionally touches another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner. Here, the footage shows the male in the gray hoodie and the male in the red shirt punch, push, and attack the marshal-elect repeatedly. The female in the gray shirt initially seems to be trying to stop the fight, but she can later be seen pushing the marshal-elect.
In the state of Indiana, a Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If there were any complaints of pain, the charge would likely be a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. If anyone was seriously hurt, these charges could easily be felonies.
There are numerous defenses available to those accused of battery, including consent, self-defense, and good old-fashioned prove it in court. If you or a loved one has been involved in a disagreement that resulted in criminal charges, the attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm are here to help. Give us a call at 317-632-3642, and remember—always plead the 5th!
