Don't Gamble with Your Freedom: Hire Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr.
Many individuals in Miami are astonished to find that a casual night of playing poker at a friend's house can lead to criminal charges. Florida takes gambling offenses very seriously, and considering the ongoing popularity of games like Texas Hold 'Em and Blackjack, it's crucial to know when a fun night might cross the line into illegal gambling.
Understanding Florida's Gambling Laws
In Florida, you can face penalties for two main types of gambling activities: participating in a gambling activity and maintaining a gambling establishment.
Florida Statute §849.08 delineates gambling as engaging in any game of cards, keno, roulette, faro, or other games of chance, at any location, by any means, for money or something valuable, resulting in a second-degree misdemeanor.
Participating in a Gambling Activity
Florida law forbids anyone from engaging in any game of cards, roulette, or other games of chance in any location, using any device, for money or other valuables. To convict you of this crime, the state must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Conviction can lead to up to 60 days in jail or six months probation, along with a fine of up to $500.
Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is dedicated to hearing your side of the story and taking the necessary legal steps to protect your rights and defend your freedom. Contact our office today at (305) 209-0384 for an immediate case evaluation.
In Florida, you can face penalties for two main types of gambling activities: participating in a gambling activity and maintaining a gambling establishment.
Florida Statute §849.08 delineates gambling as engaging in any game of cards, keno, roulette, faro, or other games of chance, at any location, by any means, for money or something valuable, resulting in a second-degree misdemeanor.
Participating in a Gambling Activity
Florida law forbids anyone from engaging in any game of cards, roulette, or other games of chance in any location, using any device, for money or other valuables. To convict you of this crime, the state must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You participated in a game of chance;
- You risked your own money or property on the game's outcome; and
- You anticipated gaining or losing money or property as a result of the game.
Conviction can lead to up to 60 days in jail or six months probation, along with a fine of up to $500.
Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is dedicated to hearing your side of the story and taking the necessary legal steps to protect your rights and defend your freedom. Contact our office today at (305) 209-0384 for an immediate case evaluation.
Maintaining a Gambling Establishment
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is well-versed in Florida's gambling laws and is aware that penalties can be more severe for those who organize and run the game. Generally, those who organize or coordinate gambling activities or direct someone to do so can face third-degree felony charges. For instance, if someone hosts a regular neighborhood poker night in their living room, both the homeowner and the host, if they are different people, could be charged with a third-degree felony, face up to five years in prison, and pay up to $5,000 in fines.
To convict you of this crime, the state must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Defending Against Gambling Charges
If you are charged with gambling in Miami, it's imperative to contact an experienced Miami gambling criminal defense attorney like Dennis Gonzalez Jr. immediately. Attorney Gonzalez will search for evidence to exonerate you, including proof that you were only an observer or that the game was a one-time occurrence. Additionally, he is skilled in challenging law enforcement's search and seizure techniques leading to the discovery of gambling activity and improper warrant execution procedures.
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. is well-versed in Florida's gambling laws and is aware that penalties can be more severe for those who organize and run the game. Generally, those who organize or coordinate gambling activities or direct someone to do so can face third-degree felony charges. For instance, if someone hosts a regular neighborhood poker night in their living room, both the homeowner and the host, if they are different people, could be charged with a third-degree felony, face up to five years in prison, and pay up to $5,000 in fines.
To convict you of this crime, the state must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The accused person had significant control over and maintained a gaming room, table, implements, apparatus, or place for the purpose of gaming or gambling.
- The place was habitually maintained for gambling purposes.
Defending Against Gambling Charges
If you are charged with gambling in Miami, it's imperative to contact an experienced Miami gambling criminal defense attorney like Dennis Gonzalez Jr. immediately. Attorney Gonzalez will search for evidence to exonerate you, including proof that you were only an observer or that the game was a one-time occurrence. Additionally, he is skilled in challenging law enforcement's search and seizure techniques leading to the discovery of gambling activity and improper warrant execution procedures.
Facing a Gambling Charge?
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. understands that many people do not intentionally commit gambling crimes or are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He believes in the principle of innocent until proven guilty and vigorously defends all his Miami gambling crime clients. If you have been charged with a gambling crime in Miami, contact Dennis Gonzalez Jr. immediately at (305) 209-0384.
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Dennis Gonzalez Jr. understands that many people do not intentionally commit gambling crimes or are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. He believes in the principle of innocent until proven guilty and vigorously defends all his Miami gambling crime clients. If you have been charged with a gambling crime in Miami, contact Dennis Gonzalez Jr. immediately at (305) 209-0384.