When gambling at the Southern California casinos, it's important to keep your cool and not lose your temper, even if the cards just aren't in your favor.
The Los Angeles Times reports that poker player Mesbah Khaffaji was arrested Sunday night after he allegedly spit food in a card dealer's face during a no-limit Texas hold'em game at a Bell Gardens Casino. Police suspect that the man became angry after losing a hand.
Security guards at the Bicycle Casino quickly detained Mesbah Khaffaji after the alleged incident until police arrived at the location. The man was then arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery, but released from police custody on $20,000 bail. Sgt. Brendan Kirkpatrick of the Bell Gardens Police Department stated that these types of situations aren't all that uncommon and that angry gamblers will sometimes feel the need to take out their frustrations on a dealer.
"Is it often? No. Does it happen? Yes," Brendan Kirkpatrick told the Los Angeles Times. "People get heated. Large sums of money lost; people can't control their emotions."
Even the slightest touch to another person can trigger a battery allegation in California, as long as the touch was committed in an angry or offensive manner. Yet people charged with assault or battery crimes always have the right to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to ensure that their legal rights are protected during court proceedings. For listings of local attorneys, see FindLaw's directory.
Related Resources:
- Assault and Battery (LawBrain)
- See a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Assault and Battery Archives (FindLaw's Injured Blog)
ShareThis
