Arrested at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods? What Happens Next
Getting arrested at a Connecticut casino is overwhelming, especially if it happens late at night, involves alcohol, or you’re from out of state. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are very unique environments that involve dense areas, lots of alcohol, all different types of people, and heightened emotions. These factors all make arrests more likely and often intensify what would otherwise be simple issues.
Casino Security and Police Involvement
Most casino incidents begin with casino security- which are everywhere, especially considering the crowds, partying, alcohol, and large amounts of money. Casinos not only have extensive surveillance and on-site security teams, but they are also monitored around the clock in real time.
Security officers can detain individuals briefly, ask questions, and escort individuals to a security office.
Once Connecticut State Police become involved, the situation changes. Security can detain, police can arrest.
Anything you say at this stage, whether it’s to security or police, can later be used against you.
Arrest & Processing
If police determine there is probable cause, you may be arrested. The most common charges that arise out of an incident at the casino include:
Disorderly conduct
Domestic violence-related charges
Breach of peace
Assault
Larceny
Trespass
DUI
Evading responsibility or motor vehicle offenses
You may be:
Handcuffed
Searched
Transported for processing
Many casino arrests occur late at night, which can mean extended holding before release.
Release or Holding
Depending on the charge and circumstances, you may:
Be released on a promise to appear
Have to post bond
Be held until court opens
Out-of-state individuals are more likely to have a bond set, but release is still common for lower-level offenses.
You will receive paperwork with a court date and location upon release from the police department.
Where Your Case Goes to Court
Casino arrests are typically prosecuted in the New London Judicial District.
Your first court date is called an arraignment, which is not a trial, nor is it the time to try and present witnesses and argue about the evidence. The arraignment is simply the time when the court presents the defendant with formal charges, conditions of release, protective orders (if applicable), and set a new court date.
The arraignment is also the time when your attorney can gather evidence from the State and begin a conversation with the prosecutor about the charges and facts.
Common Issues in Casino Arrest Cases
Casino cases often involve surveillance footage, which may or may not tell the full story. Just because something is caught on camera, doesn’t mean that there were things that occurred before or after that were not caught. The viewpoint of the footage may also fail to reveal the full picture or fail to catch other angles.
These cases may also involve conflicting witness accounts and judgments made while under the influence, making the situations more complex.
Consequences of a Casino Arrest
After getting arrested at a casino, it is very possible you may be banned from returning. Unfortunately, this is common and yes, it is allowed.
Casinos are private property and privately owned businesses, which means, they can decide who is allowed on their property. If you’re arrested on the casino floor or engage in behavior they find unacceptable, they can ban you from the property, which could be permanent.
A ban, or trespass from the casino means the casino can refuse to allow you to enter, and if you try to go back in, security may call the police and have you arrested for trespassing.
Casino bans are generally about property rights and safety because they have an interest in protecting their patrons and control liability.
A casino ban is not just a policy, it’s legally enforceable. If security tells you to stay off the property, you cannot return, and if you do, you will risk an arrest.
