An altercation at a restaurant in Rumson, NJ, last August resulted in a Florida man being charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and terroristic threats, among other charges. What began as an argument over spilled wine escalated until David Gulley, 75, of Florida, allegedly lunged at a potential victim with a steak knife.

Assuming the allegations are true, this is an instance in which someone now faces criminal charges because they allowed their emotions to control their actions. During heated situations like this, it can be extremely helpful to practice various stress-reduction techniques.

That said, if you ever do find yourself charged with a crime in New Jersey, we at the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team are prepared to offer the defense you need in these circumstances. Learn more about how we can assist with your case by submitting your information through our online contact form or calling us at 888-535-3686.

Argument Over Spilt Wine Allegedly Turns Violent

Video footage of the alleged incident provides a glimpse into what occurred. Based on video footage and law enforcement statements, the following points summarize how a typical night out allegedly resulted in a violent altercation:

• The victim, who has not been named, made a comment to Gulley's table after wine had allegedly been spilled on his wife.
• The victim and Gulley exchanged comments as the situation grew increasingly heated. Eventually, the victim noticed that Gulley appeared to be brandishing a steak knife. During this time, patrons urged witnesses to call 911.
• Gulley lunged at the victim but fell to the floor. The victim grappled with Gulley for the knife while imploring others to call the police.
• Police arrived at the restaurant and arrested Gulley. According to police, he also punched the restaurant's manager at some point during the altercation.

Along with the charges already mentioned, Gulley now faces charges of disorderly conduct and simple assault.

Stress Management Techniques to Avoid Escalating a Tense Situation

The above story is an example of what can happen when someone loses their cool during an argument with a stranger. A relatively mundane incident that could have been an experience those involved forgot about by the next week turned into a dangerous situation, resulting in criminal charges.

That didn't need to occur. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, try calming yourself with the following techniques:

• Focus on taking deep, calming breaths.
• Count to 10 to give yourself some emotional and mental space from your more impulsive urges.
• Physically remove yourself from the situation until you're calm enough to address it.

The above tips can help you stay calm in the moment. If you find yourself frequently getting upset or angry in these types of situations, consider tracking your anger or feelings of distress to identify triggers.

That said, if you ever do face charges like those described in this story, the best course of action is to enlist the help of attorneys with experience defending clients like you. That's exactly what you'll find at the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. Get started today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or contacting us through our online contact form.