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Las Vegas Casino Marker Debt Attorney
Defending Locals & Tourists with Unpaid Casino Markers
When a Las Vegas casino marker turns into unpaid debt, you might be surprised to learn that you could be criminally prosecuted. Attorney Ross C. Goodman of the Goodman Law Group has spent his career defending both locals and tourists who find themselves facing criminal charges over casino markers that were issued at a Las Vegas casino.
As a Vegas native who knows the lay of the legal land, he understands how prosecutors handle these cases and how to defend your rights.
If you’ve been accused of not paying back a casino marker or received notice from a casino or the Clark County District Attorney’s Office about an outstanding casino marker, you should immediately retain defense counsel. Attorney Goodman moves fast to protect your record, reputation, and freedom. He has built a reputation for strategic, aggressive defense and has repeatedly gone head-to-head with casino attorneys and state prosecutors in high-stakes financial crime cases.
Call Goodman Law Group at (702) 825-7854 now to learn about how to defend yourself from casino marker debt, possibly even before an arrest.
Is Casino Marker Debt a Crime?
A casino marker is effectively a short-term, interest-free line of credit that casinos extend to approved gamblers so they can continue playing and gambling. While it may seem like a simple loan, under Nevada law, an unpaid casino marker is treated as a bad check, and that means failure to repay it can lead to criminal charges rather than just a civil debt collection.
The process of casino marker debt charges typically unfolds as follows:
- You obtain a casino marker to gamble on the casino’s premises.
- The casino later attempts to redeem the marker through your designated bank account.
- If the marker cannot be redeemed, the casino sends a certified letter (usually with a 10-day deadline) demanding payment.
- If you fail to pay, the casino files a complaint with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office.
- The District Attorney’s Office sends its own certified demand letter, giving you another 10 days to repay the debt.
- If you still do not pay, the District Attorney issues a warrant for your arrest on criminal charges.
In Nevada, an unpaid casino marker of $1,200 or more can be prosecuted as a Category D felony. Anything below that amount is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Either way, the consequences can be severe, especially because prosecutors treat casino marker cases as theft or fraud, not simple financial misunderstandings.
Clark County’s Bad Check Unit
The Clark County District Attorney’s Bad Check Unit is the division that prosecutes unpaid casino marker cases. This specialized team treats these debts as criminal offenses rather than civil disputes and works closely with casinos to recover funds and secure convictions.
Attorney Ross C. Goodman knows the Bad Check Unit’s tactics, from its use of certified demand letters to its push for quick arrest warrants when payment deadlines are missed. His familiarity with this division and its procedures allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s next move and prepare a defense strategy that stays grounded as the case develops.
Penalties for Not Paying Back Casino Marker Debts
Once charges are filed, you are no longer dealing with a private debt collector; you are dealing with the State of Nevada and at least one law enforcement agency. The penalties upon conviction depend on the amount of the unpaid marker and the charges filed against you.
If the unpaid marker is $1,200 or more, it is usually charged as a Category D felony, which carries potential penalties including:
- 1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison
- Significant court-imposed fines
- Mandatory restitution for the full amount of the marker plus collection fees
If the unpaid marker is less than $1,200, it is usually charged as a misdemeanor, which carries potential penalties including:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Restitution for the marker amount and any related fees
The criminal penalties are only part of the problem. A conviction for a casino marker offense becomes part of your criminal record, which can affect employment, professional licenses, and your ability to travel freely.
If you obtained a casino marker while visiting Las Vegas as a tourist, you are not immune from prosecution simply because you left the state. The Clark County District Attorney can request extradition to bring you back to Nevada to face the charges. Attorney Ross C. Goodman regularly represents out-of-state defendants, so you can count on him if this is the situation you are in.
Defense Options Against Casino Marker Debt Charges
Attorney Goodman approaches each casino marker case as a high-stakes criminal defense, not a financial dispute. He understands how prosecutors handle these cases and knows how to challenge their assumptions, evidence, and procedures.
Common defense strategies for casino marker debt cases may include:
- Fighting for a dismissal of the charges before trial.
- Attempting to negotiate repayment or settlement arrangements to avoid criminal prosecution.
- Challenging the validity of the casino marker (for example, if the casino extended credit without following proper verification or approval procedures).
- Arguing that the casino coerced or pressured you into accepting the marker while you were impaired or under duress.
In many cases, especially when the accused resides outside Nevada, Attorney Goodman may try to arrange a walk-through with local law enforcement. A walk-through allows you to travel to Nevada, surrender voluntarily with your attorney present, get booked and released, and then return home while he manages the ongoing case. This option can prevent embarrassing public arrests and minimize disruption to your life and career.
Attorney Ross C. Goodman is known among local courts, prosecutors, and casinos as a lawyer who doesn’t back down when his clients are treated unfairly. He leverages his in-depth understanding of the Las Vegas legal system, his familiarity with casino operations, and his trial experience to confidently defend clients.
Don’t Wait – Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been accused of not paying back a casino marker, or if you’ve received a certified letter from a casino or the District Attorney about an unpaid marker, don’t wait another hour. The clock is already ticking, and ignoring the problem can lead to an arrest warrant, extradition, and serious criminal penalties.
Attorney Ross C. Goodman has defended countless clients against casino marker debt charges throughout Las Vegas and across Clark County. He brings a trial-tested approach and insider knowledge of Nevada’s casino and court systems to every defense case he handles.
Dial (702) 825-7854 to request an initial case consultation with a casino marker debt defense attorney in Las Vegas.
Why Choose Us: Expertise, Dedication, Results
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Comprehensive Criminal DefenseWhether facing charges for DUI, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses, Goodman Law Group provides aggressive representation with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients in both state and federal courts.
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Local Expertise, National ImpactAs a lifelong Las Vegas resident, Ross C. Goodman’s deep knowledge of local laws, courts, and legal professionals gives his clients a distinct advantage, while his nationally recognized legal skills elevate his reputation beyond the state.
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Proven Track RecordWith nearly 30 years of experience and a history of high-profile victories, Ross C. Goodman is a top-tier criminal defense attorney, known for securing dismissals, "Not Guilty" verdicts, and favorable resolutions.
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Personalized, Successful DefenseEvery case at Goodman Law Group is handled with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring personalized strategies that have resulted in reduced sentences, acquittals, and alternative legal resolutions for thousands of clients.
Client Success Stories
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"Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
To say thank you doesn't seem like it's enough but thank you so much. Lonnie and I appreciate all you did to get the desired results for Jonathan. Am sure he is appreciative as well.
Thank you for being there when we needed you. It's been my pleasure to have worked with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Pam K.
- Pam K. -
"He got me an excellent result, better than I could have expected."I can't say enough good things about Ross and his team. He kept me fully informed, answered my questions promptly and personally, and was just there for me. I'd definitely recommend him without any hesitation.- Howard R.
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"I highly recommend him."There's not enough stars for Ross Goodman. I highly recommend him for all your legal needs. I am a very satisfied client, and for once in my life I feel that there is a good lawyer that actually fights for justice and gets the job done instead of just making deals.
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"We are extremely grateful!"Ross Goodman and his team took care of us during a very uncertain time and helped to guide us through the entire legal process. We greatly appreciate how his team, especially Tiffanie, communicated with us and went above and beyond on our behalf. We are extremely grateful! Thank you Ross!- Susan L.
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"I am eternally grateful for his professional service."Mr. Ross Goodman is a true professional. His knowledge and dedication to me as a client was unparalleled! Mr. Goodman and his assistant Tiffanie were a beacon of hope to my family and I during a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a
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"I switched and hired Mr. Goodman and could not have been more impressed with the outcome. You do get what you pay for."I met with Mr. Goodman who answered all my questions and knew his stuff. I decided to hire a less expensive attorney but was not happy with the progress ended up being a waste of money with the other guy. I switched and hired Mr. Goodman and could not have been more impressed with the outcome. You do get what you pay for. I should have gone with my gut reaction at the beginning that would have saved me anxiety, time, and money. Don’t make the same mistake.
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"Believe me when I say, he will stop at nothing to ensure that his clients are treated fairly and defended well."Attorney Goodman is a very personable person who operates with the utmost professionalism. Believe me when I say, he will stop at nothing to ensure that his clients are treated fairly and defended well. Thankfully, he was able to get my charges reduced. I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in a similar bind.- Nathaniel A.
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"His professional and knowledge of Las Vegas law is impeccable."Ross Goodman has got to be the best attorney in the Las Vegas area. When we needed a lawyer to represent our son, Ross appeared in court on his behalf and had his DUI reduced to reckless driving. His professional and knowledge of Las Vegas law is impeccable. I would recommend Ross to anyone who want excellent representation.- Avis A.
