WHAT ARE MISSOURI’S LAWS FOR TRESPASSING ON CASINO PROPERTY?

In Missouri, trespassing on casino property can lead to more than just being asked to leave. Casinos are highly regulated, closely monitored, and considered private property. If you are accused of trespassing in or around a casino, you could face criminal charges that carry serious legal consequences.

If you or someone you know is facing trespass on casino property in Missouri charges, it’s important to understand your rights and consult an experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

WHAT IS CASINO TRESPASSING IN MISSOURI?

Under Missouri trespassing laws (RSMo. 569.140 – 569.150), a person can be charged with trespass if they enter or remain on private property without legal authority or permission. This includes casino floors, hotels, parking garages, or any restricted areas owned by the casino.

Casinos have the legal right to ask individuals to leave for almost any reason, whether for disruptive behavior, suspected cheating, intoxication, or past conduct. Once you are told to leave or are placed on an exclusion list, returning to the premises can be grounds for a criminal trespass charge.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE BANNED FROM A CASINO?

Casinos in Missouri can issue verbal or written exclusions. If you’re placed on this internal “banned” or “86’d” list, you are legally prohibited from reentering that property. In some cases, individuals are banned permanently and can be charged with trespass simply for walking through the front door again.

Security at Missouri casinos is tight — often involving surveillance, facial recognition software, and coordination with local law enforcement. This means you can be identified and charged even if you’re only on the property for a few minutes.

TYPES OF TRESPASS CHARGES YOU MAY FACE IN MISSOURI

There are two main types of trespass charges in Missouri:

Second-Degree Trespass: The most common charge in casino-related cases. This is an infraction, punishable by a fine but no jail time.

First-Degree Trespass: If you ignore posted signs, enter restricted areas, or reenter after being banned, you could be charged with first-degree trespass, a Class B misdemeanor. This carries penalties of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

If you’ve been asked to leave or excluded from a casino and you return, the situation can escalate quickly — especially if other crimes are suspected (e.g., disorderly conduct, theft, or underage gambling).

DEFENSES AGAINST A CASINO TRESPASS CHARGE

There are valid legal defenses to trespassing charges in Missouri. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may argue:

• Lack of proper notice: You weren’t made aware you were excluded or asked to leave.
• Mistaken identity: Security or surveillance footage may have misidentified you.
• No criminal intent: You did not willfully trespass or cause harm.
• Violation of rights: If casino staff or law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during detainment or questioning.

An experienced Kansas City trespass defense attorney can review your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to minimize the legal consequences.

CONTACT A MISSOURI TRESSPASS DEFENSE LAWYER AT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL

Even if no one was hurt and no property was damaged, a trespassing charge on casino property in Missouri is not something to take lightly. A conviction can lead to jail time, a criminal record, and future problems with employment or professional licensing.

If you’ve been charged with trespass at a casino in Kansas City, Independence, St. Joseph, or any part of Missouri, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. The team at KC Defense Counsel has extensive experience defending clients against trespassing, theft, and other casino-related charges.

Don’t face criminal charges alone. If you’ve been accused of trespassing on casino property, call KC Defense Counsel now for a free case evaluation. Our affordable Missouri trespass attorneys will fight to protect your rights and help you resolve the charges with the best possible outcome.

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Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri can be of assistance.