Woodbridge NJ Aggravated Assault Attorney
In order to deter physical altercations at youth sports events in East Brunswick and elsewhere in the state, lawmakers have created a category of aggravated assault that is automatically triggered when someone assaults another at such a event. The offense is a fourth degree crime, a felony, that can result in well over a year in prison. If you have been charged with aggravated assault at a football, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, basketball or other youth sport event, it is crucial that you consult a knowledgeable criminal attorney as soon as possible. An attorney in our East Brunswick Office is available immediately by calling 732-227-1200. Our aggravated assault lawyers, which include several former prosecutors, defend this charge throughout Middlesex County including East Brunswick, Edison, New Brunswick, Old Bridge and Sayreville. To speak to a member of our team immediately, call us anytime 24/7 for a free consultation.
Aggravated Assault Charge for Assault at a Youth Sporting Event
What would otherwise be a disorderly persons offense for simple assault is enhanced to a fourth degree crime when the assault occurs at a youth sports event under certain circumstances. The first requirement is that the assault occur in the presence of a child who is under 16 years of age. The assault must also occur at a “school or community sponsored youth sports event.” A school or community sponsored event means a competition, game, tournament, practice or instructional event 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 county or municipal recreation department.
Knowledge of Age or Presence of Children. It is no defense to this type of aggravated assault that the accused lacked knowledge of the presence of children or that those who were present were under 16 years of age. The statute imposes strict liability if an assault occurs under the circumstances previously outlined.
Penalties. As previously stated, an assault at a high school, youth or other basketball, ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, football or other children’s sport event is a fourth degree crime. This form of fourth degree aggravated assault carries up to 18 months in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Edison Aggravated Assault Lawyer for Youth Sports Event
There many varieties of Edison Youth Sports where practices and games are conducted. When a parent or other adult gets into an argument and it escalates to a physical altercation, things enter into a realm which can be life changing. This decision can result in a felony criminal charge, even when the fight is the result of mutual agreement between adults in Edison. The resulting aggravated assault offense can follow you around for yours to come by effecting your ability to secure employment, attend sporting events, obtain a professional license or even obtain citizenship. This is one of the main reasons why you need to hire a skilled aggravated assault lawyer. This is exactly what the attorneys at our firm can provide anywhere in the county including Piscataway, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Spotswood and South Brunswick. If you would like to speak to an attorney now, call our Piscataway Office at 732-392-7202.
