Video gambling raid in Chamblee, Georgia leads to 14 arrests
On Sunday night, Chamblee police raided six businesses suspected of paying out cash to customers using video gaming machines. Police arrested 14 people on gambling charges and seized thousands of dollars in cash.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution has the story.
Under Georgia law, video gaming machines are legal, but businesses can only pay out store credit or prizes with a value of no more than $5. Paying out cash is illegal. Police say they raided the six businesses because an undercover officer obtained video of the businesses paying out cash the week before.
In total, the raids netted 74 machines, two guns and over $20,000 in cash. The machines were mainly “Triple 7” slots and video poker which took ones, fives, tens and even hundred dollar bills. Police have not yet opened the machines to count how much money is inside.
Of the 14 arrested, 12 are charged with felony commercial gambling. If convicted, they could face between one to five years in prison or fined up to $20,000, or both. The other two face misdemeanor gambling charges. Police said the raid was aimed at arresting the owners and managers of the businesses, and that most of the customers were released.
Our criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended several clients charged with commercial gambling and other gambling offenses. It is important to understand that a person charged with a gambling offense may also be subject to forfeiture laws. All property that is used to “facilitate” or that which is “derived from” the offense may be seized and forfeited. This may include anything from vehicles to money. A good criminal defense attorney will not only fight the gambling charges, but he will also vigorously fight to prevent the government’s taking of property by challenging any forfeiture proceedings.
Pate & Brody is an accomplished Georgia law firm with offices in Atlanta, Macon and Madison. Our lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for people charged with serious crimes. We have successfully represented clients facing serious federal criminal charges and state criminal charges in courts across Georgia. Our lawyers have been recognized on the list of Georgia's "Super Lawyers", and included among Georgia's "Legal Elite" by Georgia Trend Magazine. Page Pate was recently the Chairman of the Criminal Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.
