Attorney Gerson’s client found innocent of Aggravated Assault, other charges

A jury in Allegheny County acquitted my client who was charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct after a fight erupted during a wedding party involving a lot of extremely intoxicated guests, including my client. The melee started in the early morning hours at a private club when a female bartender tried to get the attention of my client, who was standing at the bar after ordering a drink, by tossing ice chips at him. Unfortunately, one of the chips hit another individual who responded by physically confronting my client. After a heated exchange that was fueled by alcohol, a brawl erupted that included both male and female members of the wedding party, and resulted in numerous individuals suffering bodily injuries. As it turned out, my client and two friends prevailed in the fight, and the purported “victims” called the police. Ultimately, my client and friends were charged with felony Aggravated Assault and lesser misdemeanors; however, the jury found our self-defense and fighting by mutual consent arguments to be compelling.