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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Will we finally see legal online poker?

I feel like I must give a little disclaimer before posting as I am both an avid poker player, (three-time Brooktown WSOP Final Champion), and supporter of Poker Players Alliance.  That being said, it looks like the way may be paved for states to start legalizing internet poker. 

In a recent Department of Justice Opinion READ THE DOJ OPINION HERE, issued on September 20, 2011 but released last week, there seems to be hope for poker enthusiasts.  Two states, Illinois and New York, requested an opinion on whether they could use the internet and interstate transmissions to sell lottery tickets. Now this doesn't seem related to poker but the DOJ clarified the 1961 Wire Act which many feel is the main road block to legal internet poker.  The important clarification that the DOJ made was "Interstate transmissions of wire communications that do not relate to a “sporting event or contest” fall outside the reach of the Wire Act."  Since poker is not a sporting event or contest, many legal experts are interpreting this to mean that states are now free to legislate this area themselves. 

But what about the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, you may ask?  OK, I asked; you probably didn't.  It turns out the UIGEA prohibits placing or receiving an online bet where doing so is prohibited by state law.  So if New York legalizes internet poker (fingers crossed), which the new opinion seems to allow them to do, then it would be legal to play internet poker against other New York players and against any other states where internet poker is legal.

Let's go Governor Cuomo I'm all in.


Legal disclaimer: All answers are for information purposes only. Answering this question or any future questions does not form any attorney-client relationship. Be mindful, that answers are limited by the limited facts presented by the questioner and are not meant to take the place of competent legal advice by an attorney fully informed of all the facts surrounding your case. However, be aware that nothing posted in a public forum such as this can be deemed confidential or privileged communication. For a privileged private consultation, contact me at 212-385-8600 or via my website www.reasonabledoubtny.com

Friday, December 16, 2011

Is a package containing marijuana mailed to the wrong address admissible?

QUESTION:  A package was delivered to the wrong address where it was signed for and opened.  The package, which contained marijuana was returned to the postal service and delivered to the original recipient who was arrested.  Is this admissible?

Evidence is inadmissible if it was obtained illegally which doesnt seem to be the case here as there is no illegal police conduct.  Perhaps if the person who opened the package originally was a member of law enforcement an argument for suppression could be made but the officer would certainly claim that it was an accidental opening. Evidence can also be inadmissible if it is not  probative or relevant to some material issue in the case or if it violates some other rule of evidence, i.e., hearsay.  Since this is likely a possession case, it looks like it will pass these tests as well.  However, just because it is admissible, it doesn't mean that it will be sufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt to sustain a conviction.  The DA has to prove that the person picking up the package knew the contents of the package was marijuana.  Given the fact that the package was opened and possibly not the original contents, this will be more difficult for the DA but not impossible.  The DA will likely try to subpoena postal records to enhance their case.

All answers are for information purposes only. Answering this question or any future questions does not form any attorney-client relationship. Be mindful, that answers are limited by the limited facts presented by the questioner and are not meant to take the place of competent legal advice by an attorney fully informed of all the facts surrounding your case. However, be aware that nothing posted in a public forum such as this can be deemed confidential or privileged communication. For a privileged private consultation, contact me at 212-385-8600 or via my website www.reasonabledoubtny.com