The Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter was arrested yesterday for what is being called a bar fight in Key West, Florida. But police refuse to reveal what Carter did wrong and even a manager at the bar where the incident allegedly occurred is resisting the urge to share the news with local radio WILD’s Gossip Cop, which reported the arrest.
The pop and reality TV show star was at the Hog’s Breath Saloon in Key West when a dispute erupted. It seems likely that Carter was in a fight of some kind but details are unknown and it does not take too much to pick up a battery charge in Florida.
Battery in Florida
If prosecutors ultimately decide to file charges, Carter will likely be looking at an accusation of misdemeanor battery as his charging document reads, “touch or strike.” In Florida, that amounts to a simple battery.
According to Florida law, a battery is an unwanted touching against the will or consent of the victim. It does not require a particular amount of force, which is why a touch qualifies for the charge, just like a strike.
Down at the Hog’s Breath
A manager at the Hog’s Breath Saloon declined to comment on Carter’s actions. To the extent that this seems extraordinarily considerate, that may be because the Backstreet Boy is a local done good. Although not a Key West native, Carter is from a nearby locale, Ruskin.
It’s also possible that the Hog’s Breath is accustomed to unruly patrons. Key West is well known as a place to party. The islands off the Florida coast attracts snorkelers and drink sippers alike.
As for Carter, this is not the first brush with the law. The Backstreet Boy and star partner on “Dancing With the Stars” was arrested after an incident at a nightclub in 2002 and again in 2005 for DUI. Carter has plans to tour his latest album in February.
Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).
Related Resources:
- Florida Criminal Laws (FindLaw)
- Florida Criminal Statute of Limitations Law (FindLaw)
- Assault and Battery Defenses (FindLaw)