Understanding the Criminal Justice System
People in Indiana know a thing or two about sports rivalries. Although most “bad blood” in sports is limited to banter and (mostly) good-natured verbal sparring, some fans take things too far.
In a recent wild card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, six fans were arrested after tension on the field boiled over to the stands.
According to a CBS Sports report, six fans, including an Indiana man, were arrested on a variety of charges, including public urination, theft, carrying a fake ID, disorderly conduct, and assault. Two of the men were arrested for striking a woman in the face during the game, causing her to suffer lacerations. Other fans threw bottles at players as they left the field to be treated for injuries.
This is not the first time spectators have been arrested for a variety of offenses at sporting events. In an infamous 1974 incident in Cleveland, stadium operators for the Cleveland Indians offered fans “Ten Cent Beer Night,” which meant they could purchase as many cups of beer as they could consume for just 10 cents each. As one might expect, the situation got incredibly out of control, with fans rushing the field and players protecting themselves from the crowd with their own baseball bats. Nine fans were arrested, and the night resulted in multiple serious injuries.
Tensions can also run high at high school sporting events. In late 2015, a parent in Florida was arrested for punching an official after a high school football game. He was later charged with battery.
In South Carolina, a judge issued a warrant for a parent’s arrest after he attacked a high school football coach with a helmet when the coach did not put his son in the game.
If you are a sports fan, you know emotions often run hot at games. People want to support their teams, and they feel a sense of pride in being a diehard fan. Unfortunately, getting in trouble at a sporting event can have serious consequences. It is also an inconvenience if you are arrested and jailed out of state. You may be forced to miss time from work, which can jeopardize your job. Although it’s great to get behind a team, it is also best to stay on the right side of the law.
If you have been charged with a crime at a sporting event, you need an experienced lawyer on your side as soon as possible. Timing is critical. Don’t wait to speak to an attorney. Call Razumich Law, P.C. today at (317) 983-5333 for a free consultation.
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