Blogs from October, 2018

The casinos, entertainment, and nightlife in Nevada attract millions of tourists and residents alike every year. Since the state gambling industry generates billions of dollars, casino crimes are prevalent. That is why Nevada law makes have passed harsh laws to severely punish those who cheat or defraud casinos.

The following are the most common casino crimes in Reno and throughout Nevada:

1. Cheating - According to state law, cheating at gambling means manipulating the game in a manner which changes the odds of winning in a player’s favor.
2. Fraud - There are many different forms of gambling fraud, such as making the odds favorable, using inside information, claiming winnings on a bet not wagered, encouraging another person to cheat, bribing someone to change the outcome of a sporting event, and manipulating a gaming device.
3. Using counterfeit chips - It is against the law to possess, use, or manufacture counterfeit chips, tokens, credits, or any other items of value.
4. Using a cheating device - A cheating device is anything that gives someone an upper hand in any casino game, from predicting the outcome to counting cards.
5. Casino maker default - Considered as lines of credit when gambling at casinos, failure to pay a casino marker with a value of $250 or more is a Class D felony. On the other hand, if the value is less than $250, the crime is a misdemeanor.
6. Attempt or conspiracy to cheat - Any attempt to commit any of the crimes mentioned above or conspiring to commit a casino crime is considered a felony offense, punishable by the same penalties if the crime was actually committed.

Aside from failure to pay a casino marker, each offense on the list is a Class B felony, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of six years and a fine of up to $10,000. However, it is possible the defendant could avoid serving time behind bars in exchange for probation. But a second offense results in a mandatory minimum of one year in prison.

If you have been charged with a casino crime in Reno, our experienced legal team at the Law Office of Kenneth A. Stover is ready to fight for your freedom and future. We can evaluate your case, inform you of all the available legal options, then build a strong case to either get your entire case thrown out of court or reduce the potential penalties you face.

For more information about our skilled legal services, contact us and discuss your case with our Reno criminal defense attorney today.

Every year, millions of people throughout the United States celebrate the holiday season by eating, drinking, and being joyful. However, these festive months are also associated with a high volume of drunk driving fatalities.

Starting from Thanksgiving Eve (also known as “Black Wednesday”) and ended on New Year’s Day, police officers will be safeguarding the streets in large numbers and setting up DUI checkpoints to arrest intoxicated motorists. If you want your holiday season to be a merry one, it is crucial to take proactive steps to avoid putting yourself in that situation and getting charged with a crime.

The following are several tips to avoid a holiday DUI this year:

1. Do not drink and drive - Although it sounds obvious, many people continue to put their lives in danger despite understanding the ramifications of their actions. But not only does drunk driving result in a DUI arrest, but also potentially an accident, injury, or even death.
2. Have someone pick you up - Whether or not you drove to the event or venue, if you have been drinking for an extended period of time, get a sober person to pick you up from your location. Even if you’ve taken precautions by waiting for an hour after you’ve stopped drinking, or consumed food or water in between drinks, it only takes a .08 to get arrested.
3. Use a rideshare service or take public transportation - If no one can pick you up and all of the people you are with are in the same state as you are, you can request a ride from Uber or Lyft to take you home. If you want to stay on the frugal side, public transportation such as buses or trains is available at little to no cost.
4. Find a place to sleep - If you’re far away from home, either book a room at a nearby hotel or stay with a friend to avoid the roads. You and your friend can sleep well, not having to worry about how you will get home.
5. Host the gathering at your place - To avoid going out altogether, host the party or family gathering at your home. Make sure all your guests either get home safe or have them sleep over.
6. Obey the traffic laws - While we do not recommend this, if you do decide to drive, all a police officer needs is reasonable suspicion to pull you over. So follow all of the rules of the road. Additionally, check the internet or your local newspaper for any DUI checkpoints before driving.
7. Do not sleep in your car - Although it may seem like a good idea, “sleeping it off” can also result in a DUI. If you sleep in the driver’s seat with the engine running and the heater turned on to provide warmth, an officer could view this as an attempt to operate the vehicle, leading to arrest.

If you have been arrested for a DUI over the holidays in Nevada, our Reno criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Kenneth A. Stover will do our best to help you obtain a positive outcome. We can guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and aggressively protect your rights, reputation, and future.

Contact us and schedule a confidential consultation today.

People often think of DUIs and bar fights as the kind of legal trouble drinking can cause. However, drinking alcohol isn’t the only way people can face alcohol-related charges. In fact, just having a bottle of beer in your possession can end in a criminal arrest due to open container laws.

What Constitutes an Open Container?

State statutes define an “open container” as any alcoholic container with a seal broken or that has been opened. If a container is opened, but someone places a top back onto it, the vessel is still considered open if it can never be fully closed or sealed again. Therefore, if a bottle of beer is opened, but someone puts the cap back on the bottle, it is still technically open in the eyes of the law.

Examples of open containers include:

• An uncorked bottle of wine
• A can of beer/wine with an open tab
• A liquor bottle with a broken seal/ unscrewed cap
• A plastic cup (such as a SOLO cup) filled with alcohol

Nevada Open Container Law

In Nevada, an open container is illegal to have in a vehicle and out in public spaces. A driver cannot use ignorance as a defense to an open container charge: even if the container is in the back seat or a passenger’s hands.

If a driver is charged with an open container violation, he or she could face fines and up to 6 months of jail time. Additionally, prior convictions can increase the penalties of this offense.

In regards to carrying an open container in public, the circumstances and location of the offense will impact the potential charges. In some cases, carrying an open container in Nevada is perfectly legal (like on the strip of Las Vegas). In other cases, carrying an open container can result in a criminal charge. Therefore, it is crucial you identify where and when carrying an open container is legal before you go out.

Protecting Your Rights

If you or someone you love has been charged for carrying an open container, you have the right to defend your case. Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth Stover for experienced legal representation in all alcohol-related matters.

Call (775) 502-1575 now for a free consultation concerning your case!