After an arrest for dog fighting, you may wonder, “What is the punishment for dog fighting?” Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential outcomes of your criminal charges and develop a legal strategy aimed at securing the best possible resolution to your case.
What Is Dog Fighting?
Dog fighting involves forcing dogs to fight each other to entertain spectators or for betting. Individuals who organize illegal dog fights usually force the animals to continue fighting until one dog dies or can no longer fight due to injury or exhaustion. They also typically breed and train dogs specifically for fighting, often from more powerful or aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls, German Shepherds, or Rottweilers. People who keep dogs for dog fighting may subject the animals to abuse or mistreatment – or even administer steroids to make the dogs more aggressive.
New Jersey’s Laws Against Dog Fighting
In New Jersey, a person may violate criminal laws against dog fighting if they knowingly:
- Keep, use, hold an interest in, or receive money for admissions to a place used to fight or bait dogs
- Own, possess, keep, train, purchase, promote, breed, or sell a dog for fighting or baiting
- Cause or allow the fighting or baiting of a dog for amusement or gain
- Watch, pay to see, encourage, or assist in the fighting or baiting of dogs
- Gamble on the outcome of a dog fight
- Own, possess, buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture dog fighting paraphernalia
Engaging in dog fighting is a third-degree crime under New Jersey law.
New Jersey criminal law also includes a criminal offense against becoming the leader or financier of a dog fighting network. A person may face prosecution if they conspire with others to unlawfully engage in dog fighting as an organizer, supervisor, manager, or financier of at least one other person. A conviction for leading or financing a dog fighting network is a second-degree offense.
Consequences for Dog Fighting Convictions
A conviction for a dog fighting offense may result in various consequences, including criminal penalties. Sentences for a conviction will depend on the grading of the offense. For example, a third-degree criminal conviction carries a penalty of 3 to 5 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $15,000. A second-degree criminal conviction carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $150,000.
A trial court’s sentencing decision will depend on various aggravating or mitigating factors, including the crime itself and the defendant’s criminal history, remorse or cooperation, and background or personal characteristics.
In addition to criminal penalties for a dog fighting conviction, a court may impose other penalties on offenders, including:
- Taking any dogs or other animals used for fighting or baiting
- Taking any other property related to a dog fighting offense
- Ordering the reimbursement of rehabilitation costs for the seized animals’ food, drink, shelter, veterinary treatment, and other care
A court may also order that a convicted defendant cannot possess any animal for a certain period, including for life. With these serious consequences on the line, it’s vital to have a skilled defense attorney on your side.
Defenses Against Dog Fighting Charges
A person charged with participating in dog fighting may offer various defenses against the prosecution’s case, such as:
- Lack of intent – The prosecution must prove that the defendant acted “knowingly,” meaning they were aware of what they were doing. If the prosecution fails to establish that element, the defendant may be found not guilty.
- Lack of ownership/possession – Defendants may deny owning or actually possessing the dogs allegedly involved in dog fighting.
- Lack of knowledge – A defendant arrested in a place where dog fighting takes place may argue they did not know about the fights.
- Mistaken identity – In some cases, a witness may wrongly identify the defendant as participating in dog fighting. Your attorney may highlight issues with the witnesses’ perspective or argue that police used tactics that influenced the witnesses’ mistaken memories.
- Unlawful search and seizure – Defendants may argue that police obtained evidence for the prosecution’s case through an unlawful search, such as without a warrant or probable cause or other circumstances justifying a warrantless search. This would lead to that evidence being thrown out.
The best defense for your specific case will depend on the unique facts related to your charges. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your charges, investigate what happened, and analyze the prosecution’s case to build a solid defense strategy for you.
Get in Touch with Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in New Jersey for Legal Representation
If prosecutors charged you with a dog fighting offense, you need experienced legal counsel to help you fight for a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today for a free, confidential consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.
Our legal team boasts over 200 years of combined legal experience, advocating for our clients’ rights and interests. Our dedication to obtaining favorable results has earned us the respect and trust of our clients. As one client wrote of their experience with our firm:
“Jonathan did an incredible job for me. It’s not only his knowledge and skills that are so impressive but his ability to make you feel so comfortable. Jonathan is a regular person who you can talk to like any other person. It is nice to have such a talented lawyer attorney working for you who you can feel so comfortable with. He is definitely special, and you would be wise to hire him.”
Talk to our legal team to discuss your criminal charges and learn how we can guide you through the criminal justice process while fighting for a positive outcome in your case.
