Yesterday we accepted what we believe may be the first felony cheating case in Columbus. Our client was playing baccarat and allegedly "capped bets". Capping bets is adding chips to a hand after the play while the dealer is distracted or removing chips on a loss while the dealer is distracted. Video surveillance apparently captured the crime.
Defending a casino crime works on the same principle as any other case -- if it charged as a felony, see if the case can be put into Diversion or reduced to a misdemeanor.
It will be interesting to see how the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office and Columbus City Attorneys Office handles these cases for purposes of plea bargaining. Also, prosecuting these cases isn't going to be a slam dunk until the assistant prosecutor's get trial training.