The 2026 Fifa World Cup will bring visitors from every corner of the globe to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For many fans, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The excitement, energy, and emotion surrounding these events can be extraordinary.
Unfortunately, sometimes that excitement can lead to poor decisions, misunderstandings or arrests.
If you have been arrested during the World Cup while visiting New Jersey, you are probably asking yourself the same questions we hear every day:
- Will I have to come back to New Jersey for court?
- Will I go to jail?
- What happens if I live in another country?
- Can this affect my job, visa status or ability to travel?
- How do I handle a criminal case when I have a flight home?
At Sutnick & Sutnick, we have spent more than 25 years defending people charged with crimes throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey. We understand that for many visitors, an arrest is completely out of character. We know that people can get caught up in the excitement of a major sporting event, act impulsively or find themselves in a situation that escalates unexpectedly.
Most importantly, we know how to help.
First, Don’t Panic
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an arrest is assuming the worst.
Many visitors believe that an arrest automatically means jail, a criminal record or that they will have to repeatedly fly back to New Jersey for court appearances.
That is often not the case.
Every case is different. The charge, the facts, your prior record and your personal circumstances all matter. Because we have handled thousands of criminal cases, we are often able to provide clients with realistic guidance very early in the process.
We know when jail is a realistic concern and when it is not. We know when diversionary programs may be available. We know how local courts typically handle different types of charges. Most importantly, we know how to develop a practical strategy that protects our clients while minimizing disruption to their lives.
What Happens After an Arrest at MetLife Stadium?
The answer depends on the charge.
Many World Cup-related arrests are likely to involve offenses such as:
- Disorderly Conduct (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2)
- Simple Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a)(1))
- Alcohol-related offenses
- Theft offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3; N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4; N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5)
- Drug possession offenses
If you are charged with Disorderly Conduct or Simple Assault, your case will typically be handled in East Rutherford Municipal Court.
More serious charges, such as Aggravated Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)), are generally handled in Bergen County Superior Court, located in Hackensack.
The court where your case is heard can significantly affect the process, the available resolutions, and what will be expected of you moving forward. An attorney familiar with Bergen County courts can help you understand what to expect and develop a plan immediately.
Do I Have to Return to New Jersey If I Live in Another State or Another Country?
This is often the first question international visitors ask us.
The answer is: not always.
We have represented many non-citizens, international students, business travelers and foreign visitors charged with criminal offenses in New Jersey.
Our clients have appeared remotely from countries around the world, including China, South Korea, and Canada.
Whenever possible, we work to make the process practical for our clients. Depending on the nature of the charge and the court involved, appearances may sometimes be conducted by Zoom. In certain situations, appearances can be handled through affidavits or other procedures approved by the court.
For students who return home during school breaks, professionals with international work obligations and visitors who must return to their home countries, we often coordinate court appearances around travel schedules.
If personal appearances become necessary, we work to minimize unnecessary travel and coordinate with the court whenever appropriate.
Every case is different. Our goal is always to determine the most effective and practical approach for each individual client.
We Prepare Cases Before Court
One of the advantages of working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is that much of the work happens before you ever step into a courtroom.
We do not simply wait for the court date.
We review the allegations, evaluate the evidence, discuss the circumstances with our clients, identify potential defenses and assess possible resolutions before court appearances occur.
By the time we appear in court, we want to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case and have a clear strategy moving forward.
That preparation often helps reduce uncertainty and allows clients to make informed decisions about their cases.
We Understand What You’re Going Through
Many people arrested during a major sporting event have never been arrested before.
They are worried about their reputation. They are worried about their families. They are worried about their jobs. They are worried about getting home.
We understand those concerns.
We also understand that the emotions surrounding sports can be intense. There are incredible highs and disappointing lows. People celebrate. People argue. People react emotionally. Sometimes people make mistakes they would never make under ordinary circumstances.
An arrest does not define who you are.
Our job is to protect your freedom, protect your reputation, and guide you through the criminal justice system with honesty and professionalism.
Why Experience Matters
Attorney Laura Sutnick is a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, a distinction held by only a small percentage of attorneys in New Jersey. She is a former prosecutor, former President of the Bergen County Bar Association and an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall Law School teaching Persuasion and Advocacy.
Attorney Warren Sutnick is a Certified Municipal Court Trial Attorney. For decades, he has represented clients charged with disorderly persons offenses, DWI offenses, traffic violations, and other municipal court matters, providing practical guidance and experienced advocacy in courts throughout Bergen County and beyond.
Partner Omid Irani brings valuable insight to the firm as a former judicial law clerk who gained firsthand experience with the court system from inside the judiciary. His knowledge of court procedure, legal research, and case analysis helps clients navigate criminal charges with confidence and an informed defense strategy.
For more than three decades, the firm represented individuals charged with offenses ranging from municipal court matters to serious indictable crimes throughout Bergen County and New Jersey.
When you hire an attorney, you are not simply hiring someone to appear in court. You are hiring someone to help you make informed decisions during one of the most stressful moments of your life.
Experience matters.
Local knowledge matters.
Judgment matters.
If You Were Arrested During the World Cup, We Can Help
If you were arrested in East Rutherford, at MetLife Stadium, or anywhere in Bergen County during the World Cup, you do not have to handle the situation alone.
At Sutnick & Sutnick, we understand the local courts, the local procedures, and the practical challenges faced by visitors who must return home while a criminal case is pending.
We will explain what to expect, answer your questions honestly, and develop a strategy designed to protect your future while addressing the realities of your situation.
No matter where you live, we can help you understand your options and begin working on your defense immediately.