Don't Get Arrested While in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is all about having a good time. Almost anything you like to do for fun you can do here. The owners of casinos, clubs and hotels welcome you here to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself.

But there are limits to everything. If you become publicly intoxicated or become unruly or cross the line, the Las Vegas Metro Police may put a stop to your partying.

Know What is Illegal in Vegas

Don’t get arrested in Las Vegas. Our Vegas criminal defense attorneys will help if you do, but being arrested is a costly experience no matter the outcome. You don’t need an arrest on your record, and you can avoid it.

Here are 7 tips for staying out of police custody while in Las Vegas:

1. Follow the rules. It really is that simple. Some things you already know are wrong, and in other situations, you can educate yourself about the rules. If you don’t know what is allowed, ask someone on staff. This is a tourist town. People in the hospitality industry are ready to assist and don’t mind answering questions. Otherwise, when you do know better, don’t give in to temptation. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
2. Don’t overdo it when drinking. Drinking is encouraged in Las Vegas, especially in the casinos. Many offer complimentary drinks. It’s okay to drink if you are 21 years old or older. But know your limits and when to stop drinking. If you get publicly intoxicated and bother other people, you may be arrested. You are more likely to make bad decisions when drunk. Avoiding drinking to excess makes following tip No. 1 a lot easier. Do not drink if you are underage. Do not try to use a fake ID. That is technically fraud. Do you want to be charged with fraud?
3. Don’t risk a DUI. Don’t drive if you have had anything to drink. Nevada DUI laws are strict and costly when broken. DUIs are preventable, if you do not permit yourself to drink and drive. Between Uber, Lyft, cabs and even the monorail along the Strip, there’s no need to drive yourself when in Vegas. Let someone else deal with the traffic.
4. Stay away from illicit drugs. You may have heard that Nevada has legalized the recreational use of marijuana. But you may not understand that the law allows possession and use by people 21 years old or older in private residences. Smoking or possessing pot in a Las Vegas hotel room or anywhere else a tourist is likely to be is still illegal and can lead to arrest. You also can still be arrested for possession of numerous other controlled substances, including for “joint possession,” which is knowing a controlled substance exists in a location you legally share with a spouse or roommate, such as a hotel room or vehicle. If a housekeeper or other hotel staff smells or sees evidence of drug use, they have a duty to report it. You can also be arrested for impaired driving if you try to drive while high after using marijuana.
5. Respect casino rules. Cross the line in a casino, and the fun and games are over. Casinos will ask you to leave and will be quick to have you arrested for trespassing if you refuse. Do not take photos or video on a casino gaming floor. If you want a selfie, ask a staff member before you even raise your phone. Do not use your cell phone in the sports books. It is illegal under Nevada law to get paid to place bets for someone else. Having your phone out in the sports book could be seen as possible “messenger betting.”You must be 21 to gamble. Don’t try to gamble underage; you cannot legally collect your winnings if you do. You really should not be on the gaming floor if you are underage. At any age, you should be ready to show a valid ID without a fuss. If you have substantial winnings, the casino can hold your money until you produce a valid ID. Know the basics of casino etiquette before you go.
6. Gamble honestly. Do not cheat or do anything that could be construed as cheating when gaming in Las Vegas casinos. Casinos don’t care who you think you are when it comes to cheating. You will be arrested. Don’t try to pass a bad check in a casino or hotel, if you are allowed to write a check. If you lose, pay your markers.
7. Do not exchange money for sex. Many people mistakenly believe that prostitution is legal throughout Nevada. Prostitution is only legal in licensed brothels in a few Nevada counties, not including Clark County, where Las Vegas is located. It is illegal to solicit or engage in prostitution in Las Vegas, whether in a hotel or a massage parlor or with so-called dating services, escorts or entertainers.

Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer if You are Arrested

Millions of people come to Las Vegas to party and have a good time every year. A couple million more people live in the Las Vegas metro area. Some overdo it or make bad decisions and get arrested and charged with committing criminal offenses. Some people wind up in jail.

For more than a decade, the Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys of Adras & Altig have been helping residents and visitors who face criminal charges in Clark County and elsewhere in Nevada. We know that good people sometimes make mistakes or errors of judgment. That should not have a lasting effect on their lives. Our criminal defense attorneys will fight for your rights and stand with you every step of the way.

If you have been arrested in Las Vegas or greater Clark County, Nevada, contact Adras & Altig as soon as possible. We will respond quickly to start building a smart defense strategy for you. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.