Florida lawyer allegedly shattered plate on wedding guest’s head, sparking fight over buffet-line cutting

A Wedding Reception Turns Violent: The Case of Mark Roher

In a shocking turn of events, a Florida attorney found himself at the center of a violent altercation during a wedding reception in Palm Beach County. Mark Roher, a 52-year-old bankruptcy and commercial litigation lawyer from Miami, was accused of smashing a dinner plate over the head of another guest, Syed Raza, after a dispute over cutting in line at the buffet. The incident, which took place on January 18, has left many questioning how a man esteemed in his profession could find himself on the wrong side of the law.

The Spark That Ignited the Chaos

The trouble began when two young girls reportedly cut in front of Roher at the prime rib carving station, a move that seemingly triggered his frustration. Witnesses claim that Roher attempted to confront Raza, the father of one of the girls, but Raza allegedly ignored him. This perceived slight escalated quickly, with Roher becoming enraged. According to the police report, Roher smashed a dinner plate over Raza’s head and grabbed his collar, sparking a brawl that involved multiple wedding guests. The melee was so intense that it drew the attention of law enforcement, who were eventually called to the scene.

Roher’s Side of the Story: A Tale of Self-Defense?

Despite the allegations against him, Roher insists that he was the victim of the altercation. In police body camera footage, he claimed that Raza had kicked him during the fight and demanded that charges be pressed against him. “I want to press charges against him because out of the numerous people that beat me up, he’s the only one I could identify as kicking me,” Roher stated. He also alleged that he sustained injuries during the altercation, including being hit in the face, underarm, and shin. However, when questioned by deputies, Roher admitted to making first contact by pushing Raza, though he denied hitting him with the plate.

The Aftermath: Charges and Consequences

The incident has left Roher facing serious legal repercussions. He was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony offense that could result in up to five years in prison. Additionally, if convicted, Roher could face professional consequences, including disbarment, which would effectively end his career as a practicing attorney. His legal team has stated that they plan to enter a plea of not guilty, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy and contentious court battle.

The Fallout: Social and Professional Ramifications

The fallout from the wedding brawl extends beyond the courtroom. Roher and his wife have been banned from the country club where the wedding took place for a year, a decision that underscores the social stigma attached to his actions. The incident has also raised questions about the behavior of professionals in high-stress situations. Roher, who has built a reputation as a respected attorney, now finds himself grappling with the consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment.

A Lesson in Control and Respect

The story of Mark Roher serves as a stark reminder of how quickly emotions can escalate and how one impulsive act can have far-reaching consequences. While the details of the case will be debated in court, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining composure, even in the face of perceived injustices. For Roher, the road to redemption will likely be long and arduous, but it also offers a chance to reflect on the value of control and respect in all situations.