Busted for Underage Gambling. What do I say in Court.?

Question

I have to appear in court in a week. I got busted in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Im 20 years old and I thought you had to be 18 to gamble because thats how it is in my hometown and pretty much every other state. Im not going to fight it, and im prolly going to be fined $500- $1000 ...

any Lawyer-ish people here know if how I can talk the judge into decreasing my Fine?

There were no Signs that said you had to be 21 to enter the Casino. But the cop said thats not a good excuse cuz I was "supposed" to know the state law.

Sort of a "Guilty with an Explaination, your honor" type of a thing.

p.s. I cant afford a lawyer.

Answer 1

You tell them you didn't know that and nobody told you about it before you sat down.

Answer 2

I went to an Indian casino once where I thought you only had to be 18, and they didn't check my ID until like the fifth table I was at...so I was probably guilty as well, but the manager just told me not to do it again. So, I feel for you there. The laws are different everywhere, so it's sort of lame that you're going to be busted like that. In Minnesota, I know that it's 18. But not in California. Makes no sense. The court shouldn't expect you to be a lawyer just to obey the law, especially if it isn't posted in plain sight anywhere. Good luck in court, but you'll probably get screwed over, because most judges hear sob stories all day long. Sorry brother....

Answer 3

I believe that the gambling age is set to 21, due to the alcohol that's served on the floor. This way, waiters don't have to go through as much trouble when getting drinks for people.

I can't say 100% if this is the reason, but you can play the lottery when you're 18, and that's just a state-sanctioned way of gambling.

Answer 4

Just tell the truth that you're from out of state and you were not familiar with the minimum age for gambling in New Jersey. Show proof (picture ID).

I don't think the fine can be decreased, but maybe if you prove your case as I mentioned above, he/she might decrease it. I don't know. I have never been an underaged gambler in a casino.

Answer 5

I don't know about the US, but here in Australia you can get free advice from Community Legal Services and Centres. I am not sure if they have on there, but you could try to get a legal handbook from somewhere, or look on the net about the best way to defend yourself in court. You could maybe get a friend or a family member, if that is possible, to help to defend you or seek advice from a legal counsellor. Good luck

Answer 6

I worked in vegas and mesquite nevada, explain to the judge that you thought it was legal but the legal age is 21,pending on the judge and where your from ya never know,you might just get a warning, just dont have a attitude in court .

Answer 7

Guilty with an explanation would be the way to go, however, just remember that ignorance to the law is not a defense in any court.

Answer 8

Plead "No Contest". It sounds better and it is still a plea of guilt. It respects the court.

You can request admittance of your explanation, but only state the bare facts. No one wants to hear trivial matters or (most of all) complaints.

Keep it short and sweet.

Answer 9

I just don't get how come they hold you responsible. Isn't it the casino that must be held responsible in this case because the casino is the one who was really profiting from it? I just don't get it.

Answer 10

So just tell them to go fcuk themselves, you forgot how old you are. You didnt win anything, and they should pay you back everything you lost.