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Posted on June 18, 2019 in Defense Strategies,Theft & Shoplifting
In Arizona, there is one major problem with the self-exclusion process in Arizona casinos. If you have a gambling problem, casinos have a process for these individuals. This process is where they can inform the casino of their gambling problem and can voluntarily request to be banned from the casino. This is known as the self-exclusion process.
There is a major problem with this request. Once the information is made known to the casino, they will then make the person sign a voluntary trespass form. The name of the individual is then put on a list for the stated amount of time on the form. This can be for any amount of time, usually 1-5 years. Once this form is signed, it cannot be reversed or changed for any reason during the time period stated on the form. These individuals then sometimes return to the casino and continue to gamble and lose large amounts of money.
This is where the issue with signing this form arises. If this individual returns to the casino and wins any amount of money, when they go to cash out their winnings, the casino checks this list and if they are on the list. If they are on this list, the casino then alerts the police and they are then charged with trespassing. They do not ever receive their jackpot winnings. The individual then faces criminal charges. Although the casino keeps the winning jackpot, they will also never return the losses to the individual charged with trespassing.
Trespassing can be charged as a felony in Arizona depending on the degree of which a person is charged. If you are facing Criminal Trespassing charges, you must speak with an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible. Here at AZ-Defenders, we are experienced and have a record of success in defending these types of crimes. We are waiting for your call at 480-456-6400.