What To Do If You’re Arrested at a Casino or Resort
Las Vegas attracts people from around the world as a tourism, business, and entertainment center. There’s much to do at any given moment, including sports, concerts, shows, fine dining, spa outings, and, of course, gambling and other activities at casinos and resorts.
Sometimes, though, the fun can turn into serious trouble that requires the involvement of law enforcement authorities. Hopefully, you never experience this type of trouble, but if you do, you might wonder: what should I do if I am arrested at a casino or resort?
The most important answer is the obvious one: other than confirming your identity, don’t speak to anyone other than your attorney. And make sure that the attorney you hire has experience in addressing incidents at the major resorts around the state.
The team at De Castroverde Law Group does have this experience. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers counsel clients facing minor and severe legal challenges from arrests at Nevada resorts and casinos. We help you understand the charges against you, explain the process, and build a defense to protect your rights. Here’s what else to know about arrests at casinos and resorts.
What Types of Criminal Offenses Happen at Casinos?
Since casinos and resorts function as mini-societies, criminal activities at casinos can come from a wide range of activities. Some of the most common crimes investigated at casinos and resorts include:
- Casino markers: Gambling activity is central to activity at casinos. Sometimes casinos will offer betting credits to gamblers they know and believe are creditworthy. Casino markers essentially represent IOUs with specific terms for repayment. If someone fails to repay the markers as required, it can be considered a felony.
- Fraud: Some people go into casinos thinking they can turn the tables and attempt to cheat their way to a profit. This can take many forms, such as trying to claim winnings they haven’t earned. If you’re caught, you can face fraud charges.
- Bad checks: Casinos can be seductive places, and sometimes, visitors who run out of money may decide to recharge their funds by writing checks with no funds in the relevant account. Passing bad checks, also called check-kiting, is also common at casinos and resorts.
- Disorderly conduct: Casinos and resorts also serve alcohol, which can sometimes fuel disputes that get out of hand. Police called to quell fights or other disagreements may decide to file charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, or disturbing the peace.
- General criminal offenses: Casinos and resorts attract many different types of people, some of whom might be up to no good. Casinos can become sites for physical crimes, such as robbery, theft, burglary, rape, or worse.
- Prostitution: Many people come to Las Vegas under the mistaken impression that prostitution is legal across Nevada. Casinos and resorts can become places where police make arrests for prostitution or solicitation crimes.
No matter the crime, if you have been arrested at a casino or resort, rely on De Castroverde Law Group to represent your best interests. We’ll fight to protect your rights and provide advice to help bring your case to resolution. Until you meet with our team for an initial consultation, make no statements to law enforcement, as anything you say can be used against you in court.
Potential Penalties for Casino or Resort Crimes
Criminal offenses at casinos or resorts have the same potential punishments as arrests that happen at other locations. Charges can be standard or gross misdemeanors for crimes such as disorderly conduct, which generally carries either six months or a year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. But they can also be as severe as Class A felonies for offenses such as rape or murder, which can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty. Don’t risk your freedom. Obtain proper legal counsel immediately if you’ve been arrested at a casino or resort.
Role of Attorneys in Casino or Resort Arrests
Criminal defense attorneys provide a range of services and remind you to exercise your right to remain silent. Look for attorneys with experience in the casino and resort crime; in certain instances, it may be possible to negotiate a solution short of a criminal charge.
Attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group have extensive experience representing defendants following incidents at significant resorts. Our relationships with those resorts can help find fair and transparent resolutions short of legal proceedings.
If a case goes to court, De Castroverde Law Group attorneys will be by your side every step of the way. We will help you understand the charges against you and the potential ramifications of a conviction. We will gather the facts and review the evidence to determine possible defenses.
As the case proceeds, if required, we will file motions challenging the admissibility of specific evidence to ensure you have a fair trial. We can also challenge the law and how it’s being interpreted. The state has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and we will leave no stone unturned, holding them to that standard. But we will also maintain contact with prosecutors and explore the possibility of resolving the case without a trial. However, if a case requires a trial, we will be fierce advocates in our preparation, questioning witnesses and arguments.
What should you do if arrested at a casino or resort? Give the De Castroverde Law Group team a call so we can provide you with legal counsel and advocacy to the fullest extent.
Need a Lawyer for Your Casino Arrest?
The skilled casino arrest defense attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group in Las Vegas have more than 40 years of combined experience in criminal law. Our team knows Nevada law inside out and understands how to investigate and address charges stemming from casino or resort arrests. De Castroverde Law was the first in Las Vegas to defeat a casino marker case. We have a knowledgeable and committed team ready to work for you. Contact us online or by phone at 702-479-7359 for a consultation to discuss your options.
Photo Credit: Las Vegas by Tracy Hunter is licensed with CC BY 2.0