Surveillance Footage in Casino Crime Cases
Casinos are a common form of entertainment in Atlantic City. Yes, gambling can be fun and even profitable, but it can also be dangerous in some cases. People often drink when they gamble, which can lead to poor decisions, such as fights. Fights can lead to charges of assault and battery.
And of course, cheating, theft, and scams are also rampant in casinos. People go there to make money, and they will often go to great lengths to do so. However, cheating is a severe crime in New Jersey. Casinos have stringent rules and regulations to ensure fair play. Under the New Jersey Casino Control Act, anyone caught cheating can face severe penalties, including prison time and fines up to $75,000.
You may think you can “beat the system” and get away with a casino crime, but you need to know that casinos have security measures in place, including surveillance video. If you are accused of a casino-related crime, one of the first pieces of evidence prosecutors may turn to is surveillance footage. Understanding how this footage can be used can make a significant difference in your case.
How Casino Surveillance Works
Casinos use highly sophisticated monitoring systems. High-definition cameras are positioned throughout the property, including:
- Gaming floors and tables.
- Slot machines.
- Cashier cages and ATMs.
- Restaurants, bars, and hotel lobbies.
- Parking lots and entrances.
Security professionals monitor these systems and often store footage for weeks or even months. Because of the sheer volume of activity in a casino, surveillance footage can capture a detailed record of events leading up to and following an alleged crime.
Can Surveillance Footage Be Used Against You?
Surveillance video is often used in New Jersey casino crimes. It is considered direct evidence and is generally admissible in court. Prosecutors usually rely on it because it provides jurors with a visual account of what allegedly happened.
However, just because footage exists does not mean you are automatically going to jail. A skilled defense attorney may challenge casino surveillance by questioning:
- Quality of the footage. Grainy, blurry, or poorly lit video can make identification unreliable.
- Completeness. Missing portions of the video or gaps in the recording can make it unclear as to what really happened.
- Context. Video may not show the whole story, and prosecutors may present clips selectively to build their case.
In some situations, surveillance can even support your defense by showing that you were not the person involved or that witnesses misinterpreted what happened. So, while prosecutors may use surveillance footage against you in a casino crime case, there are often opportunities to challenge its accuracy and reliability.
Our Defense Team is on Your Side
Casinos in New Jersey, especially in Atlantic City, are some of the most closely monitored public spaces in the state. Whatever you are doing, you can be sure someone is watching.
There is a lot at stake if you have been accused of a casino crime. Don’t wait. Seek legal help from the Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer at Melissa Rosenblum. We are ready to fight for you and clear your name against casino crimes. Schedule your consultation today. Contact us via (609) 904-6262 or online here.