Keeping a Gambling House In Florida
A friendly game of poker or a simple wager on a sports game can be fun. Plenty of people enjoy gambling or betting with friends as a spirited activity. When gambling gets out of hand, however, it can be a cause for concern that raises red flags for law enforcement.
If you or someone you know regularly hosts gambling events in their home or at another location, they can be charged with Keeping a Gambling House. This is a serious offense and is subject to penalties in the state of Florida. Fortunately, there are experienced criminal defense lawyers who are ready and waiting to help anyone facing these charges to understand the process it takes to return to a normal life.
What Does the Law Consider to be a Gambling House?
Although it might seem completely innocent to host a poker game for friends a few nights out of the year, it’s not a good idea. Under Statute 849.08, Gambling is defined as
“Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other things of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.”
That means if you regularly host gambling activities in your home, garage, or other location with the purpose of wagering money or other valuable possessions, you could be subject to criminal charges for Keeping a Gambling House. To avoid facing any legal or criminal issues, it’s important to remember that it’s against the law to let a person gamble in any place you own or have control over.
What Are The Most Common Penalties For Keeping a Gambling House In Florida?
In Florida, Keeping a Gambling House is a Third-Degree Felony that’s subject to serious penalties. People charged with this offense should be aware that the most common penalties include:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to 5 years probation
The specific penalties a person faces if convicted depend on the nature of the incidents involved. Any person caught running an ongoing gambling operation or even a one-time event is at risk for severe penalties, which become more severe for individuals with more than one offense.
Viable Defense Strategies for Keeping a Gambling House Charges
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will have a thorough knowledge of the best defense strategies for anyone charged with Keeping a Gambling House in Florida. Individuals can’t be found guilty of the charge if there’s no way to prove they were running a gambling operation. Common defense strategies for Keeping a Gambling House include but are not limited to:
- Unlawful search & seizure
- Insufficient evidence
- History of a gambling addiction
When searching for a reputable attorney to defend you in your gambling case, it’s important to ask about their viable defense strategies and how they plan to help you create the best strategy for your case.
Orlando Attorneys Experienced In Criminal Defense Cases
If you live in or around the area of Orlando, Florida, and have been charged with Keeping a Gambling house, it’s time to contact a local attorney. The Umansky Law Firm is a local team of attorneys who specialize in criminal defense and the criminal process. With more than 100 years of combined criminal defense experience, they have what it takes to win your case in court. Attorney William D. Umansky and his team are former prosecutors and bring a wealth of knowledge to the court process.
To schedule a consultation and speak directly with an attorney, call The Umansky Law Firm at 407-890-0336 or contact us online today!
