Donald Peko, 35, is accused of punching 23-year-old Christopher Price during a family party in Whittier last year.
Peko told Price he couldn't leave with an open container of alcohol. When Price started to drink to finish the bottle, Peko allegedly punched him without warning and broke Price's jaw.
Peko, who was charged with battery with serious bodily injury, was released on $50,000 bail and is due back in Los Angeles Superior Court for arraignment Jan. 18.
If convicted, he faces up to four years in state prison.
