New Brunswick NJ Illegal Gambling Defense Lawyer
There are a host of illegal gambling offenses set forth in the New Jersey Criminal Code which can result in charges at Superior Court in New Brunswick. It is clearly in the best interests of anyone facing such a violation to retain a knowledgeable defense lawyer. Whether the charge you is for promoting gambling, possession of gambling records, bookmaking or money laundering, you are typically facing a felony crime that carries years in state prison. The lawyers at our New Brunswick firm represent clients charged with gambling in Woodbridge, Edison, Carteret, South Amboy, Sayreville and other locations in Middlesex County. More importantly, we are former prosecutors who make up the largest criminal team in the county and possess over a century of collective experience fighting a promoting gambling offense in the state. To speak to an attorney in a free immediate consultation, call the New Brunswick Office of The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall at 732-246-7126.
Charged With Promoting Gambling in Middlesex County
The primary offense charged in this context is promoting gambling under N.J.S.A. 2C:37-2. This violation can result from any number of enterprises including illegal betting on sports, commonly termed bookmaking, and private lotteries. Bookmaking is defined as advancing gambling activity by unlawfully accepting bets from members of the public upon the outcome of future contingent events as a business. A person promotes gambling in violation of this law if he or she knowingly “[a]ccepts or receives money or other property, pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he participates or will participate in the proceeds of gambling activity.” It is also illegal to engage in conduct that “materially aids any form of gambling activity.” In many instances, a promoting gambling or bookmaking charge is filed in combination with first degree or second degree money laundering. That is, however, an entirely different offense with different requirements and penalties. For our purposes and a charge for promoting gambling, the nature of the gambling operation, the defendant’s role and the amount of proceeds that are generated from the activity will determine the severity of the offense. The following is the breakdown of how a promoting gambling charge is graded and the penalties that apply in each instance.
- Third Degree Crime of Promoting Gambling. An individual can face promoting gambling as a third degree crime if they: (a) engage in bookmaking and receives/accepts more than five bets totaling more than $1,000 in one day; or (b) are involved in a lottery operation and receive money or written records from someone other than a player or more than one hundred dollars is received in a single day. An individual convicted of this third degree crime is subject to being sentenced to up to five years in prison and a $35,000 fine.
- Fourth Degree Crime of Promoting Gambling. It is a fourth degree crime to promote gambling by receiving or accepting three or more bets in any two week period. The penalties upon conviction include up to 18 months in state prison and a fine that can reach $20,000.
- Disorderly Persons Offense for Promoting Gambling. Promoting gambling is otherwise a disorderly persons offense that results in up to six months in the county jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Middlesex County Promoting Gambling Attorney
If you were arrested for promoting gambling in Middlesex County, including South Plainfield, Monroe, North Brunswick, Old Bridge and South River, it would be wise for you to consult an attorney immediately. Waiting until you are indicted will likely prejudice the defense of your case and there really is no reason to engage in this course of action since consultations with our lawyers are free of charge. Do be foolish and wait until an indictment is returned against you. Call our Woodbridge Office at 732-751-4458 now for the guidance you need.
