A Las Vegas casino marker defense lawyer knows it can be easy to get carried away with gambling, especially in a place like Las Vegas. Each year, a significant number of people make the mistake of borrowing money from a casino to gamble only to find out that they are unable to pay back their debts in a timely manner. Unfortunately, despite initial their intentions, they could end up facing harsh consequences, including felony criminal charges.
At De Castroverde Law Group, we understand that most people who are unable to pay back their casino markers are not trying to commit fraud. Instead, they simply and honestly mismanaged their money. We are here to help you navigate your casino marker case and get you the best possible outcome under the law.
De Castroverde Law Group was the first Las Vegas criminal defense firm to obtain a not-guilty jury verdict in a felony casino marker case. We have the skill, experience, and knowledge to help you with your case.
What is a Casino Marker?
Casino markers are short-term interest-free loans that are given to the patrons of casinos for the purposes of gambling. These credit lines, which are offered by many casinos in Las Vegas, are considered a check, not a debt. Because of its legal definition, not paying back a casino marker in a timely fashion may be considered fraud. Patrons who do not pay back casino markers, or who write bad checks when paying a casino marker, could face both civil and criminal charges. Being found guilty could lead to heavy penalties, a criminal record, probation, and even jail time.
Casino markers must be paid back quickly, usually within 30 days. After that time, an extremely high interest rate may be applied. If the casino is unable to cash your marker after that time, they may contact you personally before then filing a complaint with the District Attorney’s office. At that time, you must either pay your debt to the DA office or face criminal charges.
Unpaid Casino Markers
Too many people assume that not paying a casino market is similar to not paying other types of debt. However, under the law, casino markers are not technically considered traditional debts at all. At the time the casino marker is given, you give the casino your bank account information and allow them to draw from your account in the future if you do not pay them back directly. If you knowingly do not have funds in your bank account, it may be considered fraud. Specifically, you could be charged with:
- Forgery
- Passing a bad check
- Making false statements
- Obtaining money by false pretenses
If you have obtained casino credit that you cannot pay back, if you have failed to pay your casino marker, or if you have been charged with a felony related to a casino marker, you may wish to speak with a casino marker defense attorney in Las Vegas about your case.
If you contact a Las Vegas casino marker defense lawyer before your casino marker case has been sent to the District Attorney, we can help you negotiate with the casino and possibly find a working resolution. If you contact an attorney after a warrant has been issued for your arrest, we can help you defend yourself and obtain the best outcome possible based on the details of your case.
Let Us Defend Your Casino Marker Case
The legal aspects of casino markers are unique and many people do not understand the consequences of unpaid casino markers until they have been charged with fraud. It is imperative that if you are facing criminal charges related to casino markers, you choose a Las Vegas casino marker defense lawyer who is familiar with these cases. To learn more about your best options for legal action, and to learn more about your case, please contact De Castroverde Law Group today. We offer free, private consultations.