Antoine Walker, who played in the NBA for thirteen (13) seasons, pled guilty this week to a Bad Check charge in criminal court in connection with several unpaid casino markers. Between 2008 and 2009, Walker racked up nearly $1,000,000.00 in markers at three Las Vegas casinos – Caesar's Palace, Planet Hollywood and the Red Rock Resort & Casino. Prosecutors dismissed two other counts in exchange for the guilty plea. Prosecutors agreed not to seek prison time unless Walker fails to pay the approximately $750,000.00 in outstanding restitution.
Nevada law allows prosecutors to treat unpaid casino markers exactly the same as if the person wrote a bad check. If the value exceeds $250.00, an unpaid casino maker can be charged as a felony offense. A felony bad check is punishable by up to four (4) years in prison. Prosecutors also frequently charge theft and/or fraud in unpaid casino marker cases. A conviction on any of these charges can have substantial and long-lasting effects on the person's professional reputation and credit rating.
If you or someone you know has been contacted by casino or prosecutor's office regarding an unpaid casino marker, or if you have been charged with passing a bad check due to an unpaid casino marker, it is important to contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer right away. A Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney can assist you by analyzing the facts of your case and identifying applicable defenses. The Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney can help you develop the most aggressive litigation strategy possible to protect your legal rights.