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Understanding the Charge of Bookmaking, Pool-Selling, and Wagering in Los Angeles: Potential Penalties and Defenses
Los Angeles’ penal code can be difficult to read and understand, especially when you need to comprehend the letter of the law to defend against charges that have been brought against you. In this post, we will focus on one such law regarding bookmaking, pool-selling, and wagering. We will break it down into simpler terms and gain a better understanding of the law, penalties resulting from the charge, and defenses that can be used to avoid conviction.
Activities Covered and Criminalized Under the Law
According to the law, it is a crime to engage in bookmaking, pool-selling, occupy a building to record bets, receive or hold money for a bet, record or register a bet, allow a space you own to be used for gambling purposes, or place or accept a bet. Participation in any of these activities constitutes a crime, even if it’s done in an honest way. For instance, earning a living by taking bets on horse races or collecting bets for someone involved in dogfighting would be considered illegal. Renting a commercial building to someone for gambling is also a violation. Therefore, it is not essential to commit fraud or any other offense as mere involvement in such activities is a punishable offense.
Punishment for Bookmaking, Pool-Selling, and Wagering
The charge of bookmaking, pool-selling, and wagering is a wobbler charge, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on an individual’s criminal record and the circumstances surrounding the crime. If prosecuted as a misdemeanor, this crime can lead to a sentence of up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. If charged as a felony, it can result in felony probation, a prison sentence of sixteen months, two or three years, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Defenses for Bookmaking, Pool-Selling, and Wagering
There are two primary defenses available for this charge. You can either claim that you acted under duress or argue that there’s insufficient evidence to convict you. Either way, there are viable options to avoid being charged with either the misdemeanor or the felony version of this offense.
Our Law Firm Will Provide You with Legal Assistance
As you can see, there are defenses and alternatives available to help you avoid being found guilty of bookmaking, pool-selling or wagering. Simplifying complicated legal jargon enables you to comprehend the legal issues better. If you are facing legal challenges or anticipate encountering them in the future, our law firm is here to provide you with an adequate solution. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us as we have the answers and legal strategies to assist you.
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