Las Vegas Casino Marker Defense Lawyers
Issuing, or “passing,” a check or casino marker for an amount you do not have in the bank when payment is due is considered fraud under Nevada law (NRS 205.130).
Passing bad checks or casino markers can result in thousands of dollars in fines, restitution, and potentially up to 4 years in prison. In most cases, the casino, other business, or person who received a bad check or marker wants to be paid. If you cannot immediately pay off a debt, you should obtain legal assistance as soon as possible after being accused of passing a worthless check or bad casino marker.
Contact a knowledgeable Las Vegas casino marker lawyer at Adras & Altig for a free case review. We can help you address the accusations and negotiate a proposed payment plan to avoid prosecution.
What Happens if You Write a Bad Check at a Casino in Las Vegas?
However, Clark County prosecutors will side with Las Vegas casinos and businesses when contacted about bad checks or markers. Prosecutors will go after payment and file criminal charges against those who commit what is legally a form of fraud and often amounts to a felony. You need a skilled criminal defense attorney with experience handling these cases.
The seasoned Las Vegas casino marker defense attorneys of Adras & Altig recognize that good people sometimes have financial problems. Therefore, our law firm represents clients with an open mind regarding their situation and works toward finding a satisfactory and suitable solution to their legal issues.
Call today for a free legal consultation if you cannot pay off an outstanding check or casino marker in Las Vegas.
How a Las Vegas Casino Marker Attorney Can Help
It costs a casino or any business money to pursue a bad check or marker. Minimal debts may be written off. But each casino, hotel, or other Las Vegas business has its own rules about what size of debt cannot be ignored. Many have zero-tolerance policies.
Still, a casino won’t turn to the district attorney’s office unless the gambler will not respond to demands, negotiate payment, or cannot be found. However, once a bad check or casino marker is referred to the DA’s Bad Check Diversion Unit, it is treated like any other criminal case. Fortunately, as with other nonviolent crimes, the Clark County DA’s office will typically offer individuals with no severe criminal background an opportunity to make things right.
At Adras & Altig, our respected criminal defense attorneys regularly work with Bad Check Diversion Unit members and casinos to help our clients negotiate payment plans and avoid prosecution.
Such deals usually require agreeing to:
- Make full restitution
- Pay administrative fees
- Attend an educational program about responsible check-writing and budgeting, as well as the legal consequences of repeated criminal conduct
Obtaining such a plea deal requires a showing of good faith. Coming forward with a defense attorney ready to work things out on your behalf dramatically contributes to showing that.
It is a mistake to hide from a bad check or casino marker and hope the business you owe will give up and go away. In addition to a damaged credit record, you are likely to be prosecuted and wind up with a criminal record, as well as the costly penalties that go with it immediately and in the future.
Let the Las Vegas casino marker defense lawyers at Adras & Altig help devise a strategy to put this situation behind you and move forward with your life. When the evidence supports it, such as if someone else is responsible for a debt falsely assumed under your name, our attorneys can also demand that the charges be dismissed.
How Do Casino Markers Work in Las Vegas?
Casinos in Las Vegas extend credit to gamblers through “markers,” which work like bank checks or IOUs. Casinos issue markers upon request if the gambler can demonstrate their ability to repay the debt.
A first marker requires an application that allows the casino to check the gambler’s bank accounts, as with any line of credit or loan. If approved, the casino establishes a line of interest-free credit. A marker is a counter-check the gambler can fill out against the line of credit.
Problems may arise because an extensive line of credit has been allowed, and pit bosses at gaming tables or casino hosts can approve additional markers. As a result, it is common for a Las Vegas gambler to get in over their head.
After a specified period, such as 30 days, the amount of money on the marker(s) will be repaid from the gambler’s designated checking account. After that, the hotel or casino will submit the marker(s) to the bank, like a check.
When a marker is returned due to insufficient funds — or “bounces” — the casino will send a demand letter providing a short time to pay what’s owed. If the debt is not settled, the casino’s next step is to contact the Clark County District Attorney’s Office Bad Check Diversion Unit, which prosecutes bad check/casino marker fraud.
It is also possible for the casino to file a civil suit in addition to pursuing criminal charges. This is likely in large debts assumed by high rollers with extensive assets.
