Harsh Penalties for Assault at a Youth Sports Event in New Jersey

Assault at a School or Community-Sponsored Youth Sporting Event in NJ Means You’re Facing Severe Penalties and Need the Best Defense

Assault at a Youth Sporting Event NJ best defense help Youth sports can be exciting and competitive, both for the youth playing and for the spectators in the stands. For parents and others in the bleachers, it is easy to get lost in the action. When they see what they believe is a wrong call by a referee, or another player or a coach being unfair to their child, they can easily become angry. Even comments from another spectator can spark rage. Before you know it, the parent has punched, slapped, or kicked someone and law enforcement is involved. But assault at a youth sporting event in New Jersey isn’t handled the same as assault anywhere else. It is important to understand the uniqueness of these situations so you know what you are facing if charged as a result of assaulting someone at one of these events. Equally vital is enlisting the best defense help for your case to challenge the charges against you.

The criminal defense attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm have a lengthy track record of success defending clients who have been charged with aggravated assault based on altercations at youth sporting events in Hackensack, Paterson, Newark, Jersey City, Morristown, Elizabeth, New Brunswick, and throughout New Jersey. To discuss your case and learn more about how we can help with devising your most effective defense strategy, call us at (201)-556-1570 now. Our criminal trial team is available seven days a week, day and night, to provide you with a free consultation.

Understanding Criminal Charges for Assault at a Youth Sporting Event in New Jersey

Ordinarily, a fight at a sporting event would be considered simple assault. This would be a disorderly persons charge, which is referred to as a misdemeanor in many other states. While a conviction for simple assault would result in a criminal record, the penalties include fines, court fees, probation, community service, and a maximum of six months in jail. Restitution to the victim and a driver’s license suspension are also possible penalties. If the assault were the result of a fight that was mutually agreed to, it would be reduced to a petty disorderly persons charge.

However, in an effort to deter these types of incidents, New Jersey lawmakers have elevated them to aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is a felony in New Jersey, which means more severe penalties upon conviction. This charge is automatically triggered when the fight takes place at a youth sporting event, even if the fight was entered into by mutual agreement.

Assault at a Youth Sports Event: An Indictable Crime Violating N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(f)

The law in New Jersey statute section N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(f) states that if the simple assault takes place at a sporting event that meets the definition of a school or community-sponsored youth sports event, and a child under the age of 16 is present, the charge is aggravated assault instead of simple assault. Not knowing that there was a child under the age of 16 present does not excuse the individual from being charged with an indictable crime, otherwise known as a felony.

There are two specific aspects of these offenses that are important and should be noted. The first is that they must take place at a school or community-sponsored youth sporting event. This means any sporting event involving youth players that are high school-aged or below. If the offense occurs at a college event or a semi-professional or professional event, then the typical simple assault charge applies. Simple assault would also apply if it occurs at a neighborhood event, such as all the kids in the neighborhood gathering to play a game of baseball and the parents gathering to watch.

The second aspect is that a child aged 16 or under must be present. This means that if the offense takes place at a youth sporting event, the charge is almost always going to be aggravated assault. This is because it is unlikely that there would be a youth sporting event that would not have children under 16 present. Whether they are a participant in the event or are simply a younger sibling, friends of the family, or even the children of a coach, referee, or judge, any child under the age of 16 being present automatically means the charge is elevated.

What is Defined as a School or Community-Sponsored Youth Sports Event for an Aggravated Assault Charge in NJ?

The law defines a school or community-sponsored youth sports event as “an instructional event, practice, or competition involving one or more interscholastic sports teams or youth sports teams organized pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter or which are member teams in a youth league organized by or affiliated with a municipal or county recreation department and does not include collegiate, semi-professional, or professional sporting events.”

This means the youth sports event must be one where the players are high school-aged or younger, and the event must be school-related (for example, a high school football game) or community-sponsored (for example, Pop Warner football). It can be any indoor or outdoor sport, including football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, and others.

Strict Liability for Assault or Fighting at Youth Sporting Event in New Jersey

In these cases, the individual charged faces strict liability. What this means is that the individual can be convicted of aggravated assault even if they did not know that a child under the age of 16 was present or if they reasonably believed that a child under age 16 was older. Ignorance of the law will also not prevent a conviction.

Penalties for Assault at a Youth Sports Event in NJ

If an individual is arrested for assault at a school or community-sponsored youth sports event, they will be charged with fourth degree aggravated assault. If convicted, the individual faces up to $10,000 in fines and a maximum of 18 months in prison. They will also have a criminal record after conviction.

Connect with our Defense Lawyers for Help with Your Assault at a Youth Sports Event Charge in NJ

Fourth degree aggravated assault is a very serious charge in New Jersey. It is one that can result in significant fines and prison time as well as a criminal record. This can result in years of struggling to find employment, attend future sporting events, obtain professional licenses, and even obtain citizenship if you are not already a United States citizen. Hiring a criminal defense attorney with vast experience and a strategic approach can result in a stronger defense, reduced sentencing, reduced charges, and many times, an outright dismissal of the assault charges against you.

Contact a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer at The Tormey Law Firm today at (201)-556-1570 to learn more about your legal options if you have been charged with aggravated assault as the result of a fight at a school or community-sponsored youth sporting event. We protect our clients’ rights in assault cases all over the state of New Jersey, including in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Union County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Morris County, and Essex County. You can reach us online or by calling us anytime to speak with an attorney free of charge.

Testimonials

  • No promises, just a Pro!

  • Excellent Lawyer... Helped me in every step off my Case..

  • Great work

  • Best lawyer!!

  • FRO removal success!!

  • Easy to work with, straightforward

  • Kept my license

  • Father of client

  • Excellent Attorney , Charges Dismissed as promised

  • Helped every step of the way

  • Avoid mandatory jail time on shoplifting charges

  • GREAT – HONEST- ATTORNEY -AND – VERY GOOD

  • Help

  • Did the job he was hired to do

  • Great lawyer

  • Simple assault charge was dropped

  • Top Notch Representation

  • Well worth it.

  • DUI Case Dismissed

  • 2 felony charges dismissed

  • Cameron bury

  • great attorney

  • Hands Down Professional and delivers results!!!

  • DUI case dismissed

  • 125 stars out of 10!!

  • Excellent at getting best outcome

  • Excellent Attorney

  • TRO Dismissal

  • Efficient Excellent attorney.

  • Excellent attorney

  • Travis successfully defended me in an unprecedented Final Restraining Order Trial with ease

  • Kick Ass Attorney!

  • Efficient and professional attorney

  • Great Lawyer And Great Results

  • Top Notch DUI Attorney

  • Client Domestic Violence

  • Restraining Order

  • A real pro in a time of need - DWI Dismissed.

  • The most experienced, patient and affordable attorney

  • Travis Tormey successfully had a False TRO against me dismissed.

  • Underaged Drinking

  • Underaged Drinking

  • DUI Dismissed

  • Saved me from a DUI. HIGHLY recommended

  • Restraining Order

  • Case dismissed with Data Driven Facts

  • Respectful. Attentive. Professional.

  • Trespassing and Under the Influence Disorderly Persons charges

  • If you are reading this- You have reached the right place! Undoubtedly, the BEST Law Firm in New Jersey!

  • Amazing attorney with a heart of gold

  • Exceeded my expectations, Highly Professional Attorney

  • Responsive and knowledgeable.

  • The Tormey law firm was very kind and professional

  • Expungement

  • Travis Tormey is a True Professional Who Kept Me Out of Jail

  • Saved me a whole ton of problems

  • Travis Tormey Review

  • A nightmare case, with a happy ending.

  • Elite NJ Marijuana Attorney! 5 Stars!!

  • An Excellent lawyer!

  • Great lawyer for DUI

  • I highly endorse Travis Tormey.

  • Travis Tormey Law Firm

  • Travis is a Lifesaver

  • Travis J. Tormey - Evaluation

  • Great Lawyer. Got me off exactly what I wanted

  • Consummate Professional!

  • Great Criminal Defense Lawyer

  • Good Service

  • Exceptional Lawyer

  • Exceptional Lawyer

  • Hired to defend me for aggravated assault

  • Hired to defend me in a restraning order

  • Excellent attorney, highly recommend his talents

  • DWI Counsel

  • I highly recommend Mr. Tormey

  • Great attorney

  • Travis Tormey, Esq. - Great Results!

  • Travis Tormey - Excellent Attorney-Kind and Trustworthy

  • Excellent Attorney-Trustworthy and Kind

  • An Outstanding lawyer!!! That will represent you in the correct way!

  • Excellent Attorney! You will not be dissapointed....

  • Travis Tormey Gets Results!

  • tormey

  • Success!!

  • Travis Tormey Review

  • Only Lawyer I Recommend

  • Very Grateful

  • Attorney review of Travis Tormey

  • Excellent

Experience You Can Trust

With unmatched knowledge and experience in the practice of law, the seasoned attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm are committed to serving their clients and tenaciously confronting the allegations against them.

We will examine every facet of your case in order to defend your constitutional rights and reputation. With a dedicated legal advocate to assist you, our attorneys will ensure that you are never forced to navigate the complex legal process on your own.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Learn More About How to Fight Your Charges

If you've been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.

The Tormey Law Firm

Areas we serve

Bergen County, Essex County, Morris County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Somerset County including Morristown, Denville, Dover, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Hackensack, East Rutherford, Elmwood Park, Englewood, Fort Lee, Garfield, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Palisades Park, Paramus, Ridgefield Park, Saddle Brook, Teaneck, Clifton, and Wayne.

  • Hackensack Office

    254 State Street Hackensack, NJ 07601

    (201) 556-1570

    view larger map

  • Morristown Office

    55 Madison Avenue Suite 400, Morristown, NJ 07960

    (908) 336-5008

    view larger map