So you went to a Rutgers game, had a burger, chips and a beer and then you got something you did not count on, a ticket or a criminal charge and a required court appearance. This is highly common during sporting events at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and the nearby stadium in Piscataway. Actually, whether you are a Jets fan or a Giants fan, a Phillies fan who despises the Yankees, or any other sports fan, you have all likely seen many things go haywire at a sporting event. Maybe you just never thought it would happen to you. Protect yourself and know what to do after you have been arrested.
Arrested at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway
You start out meeting your friends in the parking lot at High Point Stadium in Piscataway. You set up your chairs, the grill, and crack open a few beers, give some drinks to your friends under 21 and maybe smoke some pot. Before you know it, that one person in your group that always gets in trouble, starts mouthing off to another fan. They start screaming, fists start flying, you try to break it up, they are escorted out (along with you), you sneak back in, and get kicked out again, only to be arrested. You try to explain to the cop and start pulling away from the policeonly to be put in a holding cell. This scenario and many other can lead to criminal charges. Most often, you will be required to appear in Municipal Court for one or several disorderly persons offenses that you allegedly committed. Hopefully, you haven’t been charged with any indictable felony offenses. Below are some of the most common charges that arise during sporting events at Rutgers.
Disorderly Conduct Charges at a Rutgers Football Game
An easy, catchall offense that someone commits at a game is disorderly conduct. If you yell, curse, scream, for no real reason except to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, you have committed the petty disorderly persons offense of disorderly conduct. You could spend up to 30 days in jail and face various fines and penalties and it will show up on a background check.
Accused of Assault at the RAC
Another offense that you can be charged with is simple assault. If you or your friend hit, pushed, shoved, slapped, pinched, or even threw something and hit someone, it is likely that the disorderly persons offense of simple assault was committed. Of course, someone may say that you did even if you didn’t. For this offense a person can face up to 180 days in jail, be on probation, and pay various fines and penalties, and even be placed on probation. This too will show up on a background check.
In some cases, if you caused significant bodily injury, you may be charged with a crime of aggravated assault and could potentially face state prison and have a indictable/felony on your record.
Charged with a Crime at a Rutgers Sports Game
If you were told to leave the premises and you returned, you may be charged with trespassing. If you were warned by an employee that you must leave and not return but you went back anyway, this can be construed as a criminal offense. Trespassing is a disorderly persons offense and is again punishable by 180 days in jail, probation, a record and fines and penalties. But hey “I went back to find my friends isn’t that a defense?” No. Police can arrest you if you return once told to leave.
If you in any way interfere with the arresting officer, you may also be charged with resisting arrest. Resisting arrest can be a felony or disorderly persons offense. You can be put in jail or be placed on probation and be ordered to pay fines. Even if you think the police are wrong, you should never pull away from an officer. Do what they say and explain later. Don’t worry, an experienced attorney knows how to handle a resisting arrest charge and can help you obtain the best outcome. Some other offenses that people attending games at Rutgers often face charges for include Fake ID possession, underage drinking, criminal mischief, and driving while intoxicated (DWI) after leaving the game.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight Charges from a Rutgers Game in Piscataway or New Brunswick?
If you or a friend has been charged with a criminal offense during a Rutgers football, basketball, baseball game, or another sporting event, contact us now to help you hopefully avoid, jail, fines, loss of license, and other penalties. Our local Middlesex County defense lawyers know the law and understand how local courts work. We will aggressively defend you in Municipal Court in Piscataway or New Brunswick or Middlesex County Superior Court. Call our local office in Edison at (732) 659-9600 to discuss your case and learn more about proper procedure, the way the case will impact you, the law, and possible defenses.
