beaten by nightclub security

[itwasnotme]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Last saturday my friends and I were attempting to enter a bar that I worked at a year ago. I was waiting in a public street. The head of security and I exchanged a few words, he lunged at me, I punched him before he could punch me. Then after that he called out all the security outside to rough me up( about 10 people). This is all happening in the middle of the street. Finally the police showed up. I was arrested for battery. Then taken to the hospital where I found out that they broke two of my ribs. Was this legal? There were witnesses. What can I expect to happen?

[xylene]

Starter questions:

Were you drunk or drinking (at all)?

Who are the witnesses?

When is your court date for the battery?

Do you have a criminal defense lawyer?

What does s/he say? Have you asked him/her about civil liability on your / their part?

[gawm]

If you caused a disturbance outside of a night club, the security has the right to take care of the disturbance that you caused. Did any of the security get arrested? You can expect to be charged with battery.

[xylene]

Originally Posted by gawm

If you caused a disturbance outside of a night club, the security has the right to take care of the disturbance that you caused. Did any of the security get arrested? You can expect to be charged with battery.

"take care of"

A bouncer is not a law enforcement officer, and they definately aren't Judge Dredd. Being surly and overweight doesn't mean crap.

The core of the matter is did this guy start something, or was it self defense?

[gawm]

Originally Posted by xylene

"take care of"

A bouncer is not a law enforcement officer, and they definately aren't Judge Dredd. Being surly and overweight doesn't mean crap.

The core of the matter is did this guy start something, or was it self defense?

I didn't mean "take care of" in the mob sense. They are in charge with securing the night club for the patrons. The OP started the physical confrontation, they have a right to defend themselves.

[xylene]

Originally Posted by gawm

I didn't mean "take care of" in the mob sense. They are in charge with securing the night club for the patrons. The OP started the physical confrontation, they have a right to defend themselves.

Inaccurate. To both the OPs post and the law generally.

The OP claims the Head Bouncer swung first. You don't need to get hit to respond.

As far as the whole crew getting their licks in - totally wrong.

Bouncers don't get a pass under the law. Unless they are genuine security guards than they are just everyday civilians with keychain flashlights.

Whether or not the OP can defend himself against his criminal charges, and make a civil suit against the club and/or the bouncers depends on many factors.

The fact that he was charged with battery, and the bouncers were not does not mean he has no case.

He might even be found guilt of the battery, but be able to sue the club for the pile-up rough up that happened afterward.

[averad]

Originally Posted by itwasnotme

Last saturday my friends and I were attempting to enter a bar that I worked at a year ago.

...

The head of security and I exchanged a few words, he lunged at me, I punched him before he could punch me.

What words were exchanged that would cause a fist fight? Would seem to be a save guess you didnt leave the bar job on good terms.

[gawm]

NO... The OP stated he hit the bouncer before the bouncer can hit him. He said the bouncer " lunged " at him. What he perceived as a threat was probably nothing more than the bouncer stepping in front of him saying" just because you used to work here does not mean you can go in right now" Pretty common for night club operations. Anyways, that makes him look really stupid in front of everybody so he clocks him. When the other bouncers come to break it up (it is going to be as many as they can to over power him to prevent any other personal from getting hurt.) OP sees them coming and probably fought back, hence the broken ribs. That's probably how it went down. It is probably what all the witnesses said, hence the battery charge.

[janedoe23]

Originally Posted by xylene

The core of the matter is did this guy start something, or was it self defense?

Self defense????? The OP got charged with battery and your asking if it was self defense?

[janedoe23]

Originally Posted by xylene

He might even be found guilt of the battery, but be able to sue the club for the pile-up rough up that happened afterward.

Unless he can prove he was standing there like a little angel then he is going to have a tough time suing the club. By the way he worded his original post it sounds as if he wasn't allowed in or around the club.

So OP what else were you charged with? Disorderly conduct? Trespassing??

[itwasnotme]

Ok... I walked up to the bar with four girls and one guy. I was on a public street. FYI: A 6ft sidewalk is between the front door and the street. Bouncer lunges towards me I defend myself by punching or did I punch??? Then 3 more bouncers jump in and start beting me. Holding me in a head locks while others take turns punching me in the face and chest. I try to defend myself as much as possible then 6-10 more bouncers join the beating. Still in a public street. I beg for my life for them to "please get off me, I cant breath!" One of the bouncers shouts "you move and I'm bracking your arm." Police come ten minutes later. Probably the only reason I am still alive. At this point I could'nt say a word let alone breath. I get arrested for battery. Could'nt breath for about an hour. Six hours later while still in custody request to go to the emergency room, where doctors discover that I have to broken rib bones.

Why was the security guard on a public street in front of a partron's face. What right did they have to hold someone down and break there ribs??? Can someone please tell me?

[xylene]

Originally Posted by xylene

Starter questions:

Were you drunk or drinking (at all)?

Who are the witnesses? (were they drinking?)

When is your court date for the battery?

Do you have a criminal defense lawyer?

What does s/he say? Have you asked him/her about civil liability on your / their part?

Why have you not answered these questions or the questions of other posters?

[gawm]

Originally Posted by itwasnotme

Ok... I walked up to the bar with four girls and one guy. I was on a public street. FYI: A 6ft sidewalk is between the front door and the street. Bouncer lunges towards me I defend myself by punching or did I punch??? Then 3 more bouncers jump in and start beting me. Holding me in a head locks while others take turns punching me in the face and chest. I try to defend myself as much as possible then 6-10 more bouncers join the beating. Still in a public street. I beg for my life for them to "please get off me, I cant breath!" One of the bouncers shouts "you move and I'm bracking your arm." Police come ten minutes later. Probably the only reason I am still alive. At this point I could'nt say a word let alone breath. I get arrested for battery. Could'nt breath for about an hour. Six hours later while still in custody request to go to the emergency room, where doctors discover that I have to broken rib bones.

Why was the security guard on a public street in front of a partron's face. What right did they have to hold someone down and break there ribs??? Can someone please tell me?

Where is the oral confrontation that was in your first post? Now the bouncer just lunges at you and you don't know if you punched him or not Well there are at least 13 witnesses that are going to say that you did. If they really wanted to hurt you they would of broke your arm whether you moved or not. I don't think you have a case at all. A lot of PI lawyers give a free consultation, go to one and see what they say. Post back, we are dying to here how this turns out. (although I think I already know)