South Carolina accuseds could opt for trial by jury

30.04.2008

Trial by jury is an option reportedly being considered by at least some of the South Carolina gamblers busted recently in police sting-inspired raids on home poker games.

SOUTH CAROLINA ACCUSEDS COULD OPT FOR TRIAL BY JURY (Update)

Frustrated by out-of-date laws in the state, these gamblers may try a new tack

Trial by jury is an option reportedly being considered by at least some of the South Carolina gamblers busted recently in police sting-inspired raids on home poker games.

In a state that bans cards or dice games, a jury acquittal could pose some interesting legal problems for the authorities who are prosecuting a large number of players including a state deputy prosecutor, a police officer and other respectable professionals.

The South Carolina raids on three seperate locations in the Charleston area took place early April, when the arrests were made and over $40 000 in cash and gambling equipment was confiscated. Players were charged with misdemeanour offences, but for the dealers and organisers the stakes are higher in some cases with felony allegations to face.

Meanwhile, a bill has been introduced into the state legislative House seeking to legalise home poker games played without a rake, although it is unlikely that this will see a full debate before 2009.