Providence Baseball Game Assault Case Results in Diversion Program
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in Rhode Island Superior Court (Providence County) for:
- Assault on a Person Over Age 60, in violation of R.I.G.L. § 11-5-10
Case Overview:
A man was at a little league baseball game watching his son play. There was a mixed group of adults, adolescents, and children in attendance. A referee made a gametime decision with which some of the adult spectators disagreed. They expressed their dissatisfaction with loud voices, heckling, and profanity. A player’s father walked over to the hecklers and asked them politely to behave more appropriately. A man in the group stepped up, got in the father’s face, and made a very derogatory remark. In response, the father punched him in the face, breaking the man’s nose. Burrillville Police were notified. Officers responded to the baseball field and arrested the father for Assault on a Person Over Age 60, which is a felony under Rhode Island criminal law. The father retained Rhode Island Assault Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to defend him in this matter.
Case Result: Diversion.
Given the extenuating circumstances, the father’s lack of criminal history, and victim’s support (he admitted to provoking the confrontation), Attorney Calcagni successfully applied for his client to participate in the Superior Court Adult Diversion Program. The program lasts for up to one year. During this time, the man must complete anger management classes and perform community service. So long as he fulfills these conditions and is not charged with any new offenses, the charge will be dismissed and sealed from public record. The father will also not incur a criminal conviction from this incident.