Penalties in Gambling and Gaming Cases

Although the penalties for all crimes, along with gambling and gaming offenses, committed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are subject to the results of the work from your criminal defense attorney during the trial, usually the state adheres to penalties and content detailed in each of the crimes’ individual statute in the Kentucky Revised Statutes as well as the Kentucky Sentencing Guidelines for most criminal convictions.

Each of these types of offenses are then divided into two and four classes, respectively. There are class A and class B misdemeanors and classes A through D felonies, plus a capital offense classification for crimes resulting in death, with the harshest punishments. For any of which, it is of utmost importance to work with a reputable gambling lawyer in your area to see to your case.

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than a year in prison, and sometimes there are only heavy fines involved, probation, or other sentences less harsh than with felonies. The consequences for someone guilty of a crime punishable by a misdemeanor are;

• Class A misdemeanors – 90 days to 12 months jail time, including a monetary fine that can cost up to 500 dollars , and
• Class B misdemeanors – up to 90 days jail time, including a monetary fine up to 250 dollars

Nonetheless, they are a stain on your permanent record and can change your life for the worse, which is why you need the best gambling attorney you can get. A competent gambling defense attorney can get your case dismissed, charges filed against you dropped, or fight for an expungement of your misdemeanor conviction altogether.

Felony

A felony is the most serious type of crime, and hence, they offer the most serious punishments, with years in prison. They are divided (like misdemeanors as well) into classes. The imprisonment terms for each class of this offense are;

• Class A – 20 to 50 years, or even life imprisonment,
• Class B – 10 to 20 years,
• Class C – 5 to 10 years, and
• Class D – 1 to 5 years

All serious crimes, except murders (they have their own punishments), are classified as felonies.

It’s also important to point out that former convictions of this degree matter. If district court investigations and records show you are a “persistent offender,” then it’s very likely you’ll be facing a longer prison term vs someone guilty of the same crime without records of a prior felony conviction. (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 532.080 (2019 ).).  If this is the case, it is advised for you to share this information with your gambling and gaming defense lawyer at the earliest.

A person found guilty of a felony in states like Kentucky will also need to pay a fine costing between 1,000 dollars and 10,000 dollars. Or, if it applies, double any gain from committing the offense. In the event that it does, the district court usually orders whichever amount is greater to be paid (Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 534.030 (2019 ).).

It’s difficult facing offenses as serious as this alone, especially since these have long lasting consequences on a person’s life once convicted. Which is why hiring expert gambling defense attorneys is essential. Experienced gaming attorneys will know what to expect along with the best way to protect your rights, or avoid a conviction altogether.

Federal

Just like at the state or even county level, a non-violent crime can mean any type of offense not involving physical violence, and most often, drug offenses are classified under this. But besides drug offenses, non-violent crimes are also related to gambling, harassment,a kickback to a federal agent, property crimes, white-collar crimes, and more. Most non-violent offenses are handled by state law, but those that involve federal property and across states, like white-collar crimes and drug offenses, are placed under federal jurisdiction. Penalties for these crimes are wide ranging, with drug offenders facing years in prison, and white collar criminals only a light sentence in minimum security prisons. Nonetheless, cases can vary and you will need a criminal defense attorney with experience in the federal district court of Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer that specializes in gambling and gaming defense

All of our criminal gambling and gaming attorneys at Cooley Iuliano Robey, PLLC are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well as the Kentucky Bar Association, with decades of experience in matters of gambling and gaming charges and gambling defenses and practice areas. We value the best interest of every client, above all, and with our insights about law, we can create new defense opportunities in your case, no matter how minor. When it comes to gambling and gaming offenses, you need gambling attorneys who will fight for your constitutional rights, and start by doing an evaluation of every evidence and detail of your case, no matter how inconsequential they may be.

Free Consultation & Case Review from our experienced gambling and gaming lawyers

At CIR Legal, our gaming attorney’s gambling defense services include offering free consultation and case review to potential clients or otherwise. Our gambling and gaming attorneys have fought and will always strive to fight for the rights of every defendant in the state of Kentucky, no matter the type of offense and using all of our insights and resources. Call our law office at 859-636-6803 or fill out our form for a free consultation, no matter if it’s pm or am.