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Bookmaking
and Internet Gambling Are Crimes
It is still
against the law to conduct bookmaking, to gamble on
the internet, or gamble outside of casinos or racetracks
in California
Millions of people gamble with
bookmakers, gamble on the internet, or gamble for
money, outside of casinos. Few realize that this is
illegal, and can land them in trouble with the law
and result in their money being seized by the government.
The police still make arrests
for illegal gambling. Bookmakers are still charged
with violating the law. Agents for bookmakers still
get arrested and face jail time, fines and forfeiture
of their money. “Private” poker games
still get busted, and the federal government has made
it against the law to gamble on the internet, even
with “off-shore” internet casinos.
If you find yourself charged
with a gambling crime, you need an expert in the area,
like Kenneth H. Lewis. With 30+ years of expertise
in this area, he provides the best possible representation.
His knowledge of the gambling laws, the court system
and how bookmakers and internet casinos operate makes
him unmatched in providing quality legal representation.
BOOKMAKING
- Bookmaking
is a violation of California Penal Code Section
337a (1)-(6). Basically it is the act of accepting
wagers on a sporting event. Additionally, the statute
covers activities performed in connection with bookmaking,
such as owning or renting a location where bookmaking
is conducted, occupying a location to conduct bookmaking,
taking or writing down wagers, or laying off bets
or wagers. It can be either a misdemeanor or felony
conviction, carries the possibility of a state prison
sentence, and a fine of up to $5,000.00. It is a
“priorable offense” which means there
are increased penalties for later convictions.
- Bookmaking
can also be a federal violation under 18 United
States Code Section 1955 if it meets certain requirements
such as affecting interstate commerce, having five
or more persons involved, being in operation for
more than 30 continuous days, or grossing more than
$2,000.00 in a single day.
- Bookmaking Agents
are persons who collect bets from customers,
and pay back winnings. This is also against the
law, even if the bookmaking operation itself is
an internet, offshore gambling operation. Agents
who are arrested face the full range of punishments
set forth above.
INTERNET GAMBLING
- Internet gambling is not
legal, despite the fact that millions of persons
gamble with “offshore, virtual casinos”.
Attempts to legalize this form of gambling have
failed in the Congress. Admittedly, the federal
government has been too preoccupied with other issues
to invest much time in prosecuting internet gambling,
but a number of cases have been successfully prosecuted,
and no one should assume that it is legal.
- Credit card restrictions
have been enacted by Congress limiting the ability
of credit card companies to transact business with
off shore, internet casinos.
- Forfeitures of money and
property are possible if an investigation of a person
finds money that is “sourced” from illegal
internet gambling.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M INVESTIGATED
OR ARRESTED FOR A GAMBLING CRIME?
- Say nothing. Remember, the
police are not your friends – they are out
to convict you.
- Ask that an attorney qualified
to handle gambling cases, like Kenneth H. Lewis
be present for any questioning.
- If arrested and bail is
set, Kenneth H. Lewis can help you try to arrange
for a bail bond through a qualified bail bondsmen.
- As soon as you are released,
arrange for a meeting with an attorney knowledgeable
in gambling cases.
- Do not speak with the police
if they contact you after you have been released;
have them talk directly to your attorney.
- If you have had property
and/or money seized, immediately contact an attorney
that is knowledgeable with “forfeitures”,
like Kenneth H. Lewis.
WHY SHOULD I RETAIN KENNETH
H. LEWIS IF I AM ARRESTED FOR BOOKMAKING OR ANOTHER
GAMBLING CASE?
Because Kenneth H. Lewis has
been handling bookmaking, internet gambling and other
gambling cases for over thirty years. He has handled
hundreds of these cases and knows the law, the courts,
and the prosecuting agencies. He knows the defenses,
he knows the police agencies, and he knows how to
successfully defend these cases to obtain the very
best results for his clients. No one is more qualified
to handle a gambling case.
He is one of the relatively
few lawyers to have actually argued a case before
the California Supreme Court, People v. Leon. He is
not only admitted before all the courts in California,
but also the United States District Court for the
Central District of California, the United States
9th Circuit Court of Appeal, and the United States
Supreme Court, where he appeared at counsel’s
table in the case of California vs. Rooney.
He offers no cost consultations,
and may even be able to see you while in custody.
He will explain the legal process and law in detail,
and will work with you to obtain the very best results
possible. He promises to promptly return all phone
calls and will leave no stone unturned in assuring
that you receive the very best defense.
Call Kenneth H. Lewis now to
schedule a FREE CONSULTATION at: 213-624-4904, or
e-mail him at kenlewis@losangeleslegaldefense.com,
day or night.
LAW OFFICES
OF KENNETH H. LEWIS & ASSOCIATES
633 West Fifth Street, 26th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
TELEPHONE:
213-624-4904
E-MAIL: Kenlewis@losangeleslegaldefense.com
FAX: 213-623-7301
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