What are the penalties for fighting in the street

Conflict situations on the street can arise quite suddenly and end in a fight. But even a short fight can lead to serious legal consequences. Izvestia" tells about what threatens for a street fight and how to bring the perpetrator to responsibility.

What is a fight

Under the fight is considered a collision of two or more people, accompanied by a beating. Most often fights occur as a result of street conflicts, hooligan motives or aggression against the background of personal animosity, religious, national and other beliefs. Usually the scuffles are limited to hand-to-hand violence, but often weapons are used.

Depending on the circumstances, this unlawful behavior falls under the scope of administrative or criminal codes. The degree of responsibility depends on the severity of the consequences, and on the harm caused to the health of the victims.

Investigation of crimes committed in a fight is complicated by the fact that it is sometimes difficult to establish who exactly was the instigator of the fight and who inflicted certain blows. In the course of verification, police officers study the testimony of participants in the fight, eyewitnesses and establish all the circumstances of the incident.

What are the penalties for fighting in the street

Punishment is assigned depending on the nature and severity of the offense. The age and personality of the participants, the place where the fight took place, the presence of injuries and other factors are also taken into account. The reason for the beginning of the investigation can be any information about the fact of battery, received by the police from citizens or from the medical center.

In simpler situations, the offender may be fined. If, for example, the fight occurred in a store, on the street or in the yard and did not lead to serious consequences, then, most likely, we are talking about petty hooliganism. This is an administrative offense that carries a fine of 500 to 1000 rubles or administrative arrest for up to 15 days (Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code).

If as a result of the fight someone was injured, the situation becomes more complicated. The most minor, but widespread type of injuries are beatings (abrasions, bruises, bruises). They are punishable by a fine of five to 30 thousand rubles (Article 6.1.1 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation). But if this is not the first fight and it ended not only with bruises, you can fall under the criminal article.

For causing minor harm to health, the perpetrator faces a fine of up to 40 thousand rubles, or arrest for up to four months or correctional labor for up to one year (Art. 115 of the Criminal Code). And in case of aggravating circumstances, for example, when the attacker used a weapon or any objects as a weapon, - up to two years of imprisonment.

Harm to health of medium severity is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years (article 112 of the Criminal Code). The same act committed by a group of persons, motivated by hatred or enmity, as well as by prior conspiracy, is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years. The most severe punishment is imposed for causing severe injuries - from eight to 10 years' imprisonment (article 111 of the Criminal Code).

Stricter criminal liability is also provided for in case of repeated violations. In addition, the punishment is tougher if the crime was committed in a state of alcohol intoxication, under the influence of drugs or psychotropic drugs.

How to behave in a fight

Any conflict is easier to complete peace, but if the confrontation is inevitable, you should know a few rules of street fighting, which will help to avoid serious consequences.

The most important thing is not to let the opponent be behind you, so that he can not make a chokehold, and pull you to the ground. In a scuffle, it is important to maintain a fighting stance. If you are going to kick, aim for the opponent's shin or knee. Do not strike above the waist, as the leg is easier to intercept and make a retaliatory maneuver. You can also try to grab one of the attacker's toes and, if necessary, break it.

When there are several aggressors on the street and, especially if they are armed, simple self-defense techniques are unlikely to help. The best way out will be to try to divert the attention of the enemy and flee. However, this method works best in the first case, based on the principle: the best fight is the one that did not take place.

You should report the incident to the police and try to attract witnesses. The police are obliged to take a report and investigate. If injuries were sustained during the fight, they should be immediately recorded at a medical facility. If the identity of the attackers is known, the victim can also file a lawsuit in court for compensation for the damage caused by the fight.