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Fights and Felonies After Tigers Games: Understanding the Fine Line Between Disorderly Conduct and Assault in Downtown Detroit

There's nothing quite like cheering on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park—win or lose, the energy of downtown Detroit after a game is hard to match. But with that energy sometimes comes trouble. Between post-game celebrations, frustration over losses, and alcohol-fueled emotions, things can escalate quickly from harmless fun to serious criminal charges. If you’ve found yourself involved in a fight after a Tigers game, you could be facing anything from a simple disorderly conduct citation to a felony assault charge, and in Michigan, the difference is no joke.

Disorderly Conduct vs. Assault in Michigan

It’s easy to lose your temper in the heat of the moment—but what you might consider a minor scuffle could actually land you in serious legal trouble. Michigan law distinguishes between different kinds of offenses when it comes to physical altercations:

Disorderly Conduct (MCL 750.167)

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor in Michigan and is often treated as a “catch-all” charge for disruptive public behavior. Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.167, someone may be found guilty of disorderly conduct if they:

  • Are intoxicated in public in a way that endangers others
  • Engage in brawling or fighting in public
  • Make unreasonable noise or disturb the peace
  • Refuse to comply with lawful police orders during events

Penalty: Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. While disorderly conduct may sound minor, a conviction can still leave you with a criminal record, which can affect your job, school, and housing applications.

Simple Assault and Battery (MCL 750.81)

Unlike disorderly conduct, assault and battery involves purposeful physical contact—or even the threat of it. Per Michigan law, assault is an attempt or threat to injure someone, while battery is the actual physical contact.

It’s important to note that you can be charged with assault even if you never threw a punch. Just raising a fist or lunging at someone could be enough to warrant this charge.

Penalty: Up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. However, circumstances around the incident can easily escalate this to aggravated assault or a felony.

Aggravated Assault (MCL 750.81a)

Aggravated assault is the next step up the criminal ladder. To reach this charge, the prosecution must prove that a serious injury—one requiring medical treatment—was inflicted during the altercation.

Penalty: Up to one year in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000. This charge is more serious than a minor bar fight and is almost always accompanied by court-mandated anger management or probation conditions.

When a Fight Becomes a Felony: Felonious Assault and Beyond

Most people don't realize just how quickly a disorderly conduct charge can spiral into a felony. Here are some ways a simple altercation can turn into a felony under Michigan law:

Felonious Assault (MCL 750.82)

This charge applies when a weapon (or even an object that could be used as one—like a bottle or bat) is introduced. You don’t even need to physically strike someone. Simply threatening a person with the weapon is enough.

Penalty: Up to 4 years in prison and/or fines up to $2,000. Additionally, assault with a dangerous weapon could lead to mandatory sentencing enhancements if committed in a school zone or in front of minors.

Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm (MCL 750.84)

This charge applies when the assault is especially violent—even if the victim isn't permanently injured. It's often charged when a victim is punched while on the ground or if the person is unable to defend themselves.

Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison and/or fine of $5,000. Cases like this are aggressively prosecuted, especially in high-traffic areas like downtown Detroit directly after sporting events when crowd control becomes an issue.

Assault with Intent to Murder (MCL 750.83)

If you take part in a fight and use or threaten lethal force with intent to kill, the prosecution may charge you with assault with intent to murder.

Penalty: Life or any term of years in state prison. These cases often involve knife or firearm use and almost always include substantial witness testimony, surveillance footage, or both.

Other Factors That Could Influence Your Charges

Not all fights are created equal, and many factors can cause a judge or prosecutor to charge more harshly. These include:

  • Victim status: Harsher penalties apply if the victim is a police officer, EMT, or other public servant.
  • Use of alcohol: Alcohol is not a legal defense and may, in fact, work against you as a factor that reduced your judgment.
  • Weapon use: Using a bottle, stick, or anything deemed dangerous elevates your charge immediately.
  • Criminal history: A prior record, especially one involving violence, increases the likelihood of a tougher sentence.

Keep in mind that even if alcohol was involved or someone else "started it," prosecutors in Wayne County are under immense pressure to convict in public disturbance cases—especially when large events like professional sports are involved.

Common Defenses to Assault or Disorderly Conduct Charges

If you’ve been charged after an incident near Comerica Park or anywhere else downtown, don’t assume the worst. Here are some possible defenses your criminal defense attorney may explore:

  • Self-defense: Michigan is a “stand your ground” state. If you believed you were in immediate danger and used reasonable force to protect yourself, this can be a strong defense.
  • Mutual Combat: If both parties agreed (implicitly or explicitly) to fight, it may affect how the prosecutor pursues the case.
  • Identity Confusion: With large crowds and alcohol, mistaken identity often happens. Video surveillance, witness testimony, and cell phone footage from the area may exonerate you.
  • Lack of Intent: Prosecutors must often prove that you intended to cause harm. If this can't be established, charges like aggravated or felonious assault could be reduced or dropped.

Every case is unique. A minor physical push may look drastically different depending on how it's portrayed through police reports or witness statements. For that reason, it's critical that you retain an experienced lawyer who knows the local courts and criminal statutes.

Conclusion

Fights after Tigers games may seem like part of a raucous night out, but in the eyes of Michigan law, they can lead to serious repercussions. Understanding the difference between a disorderly conduct citation and felony assault can be the difference between a night in jail and years in prison.

Don’t face criminal charges alone. Reach out to an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and get the results you deserve. Whether it's your first offense or you have a prior criminal record, we’re here to help.

Stay safe, enjoy the game, and remember—one moment of frustration shouldn't define your future.