Your Freedom,
Our Fight.
Getting arrested at a casino isn’t something most people see coming. You may have been out for a night with friends or simply trying your luck, only to end the evening in handcuffs. The truth is law enforcement takes Encore Casino crimes very seriously. If you’ve been arrested at the casino, you need someone who understands both how these cases are prosecuted and how to get ahead of them before they spiral out of control. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy has represented countless individuals charged with crimes allegedly occurring at the Encore Casino. As a veteran Boston criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Murphy is prepared to protect your rights and your record.
Encore Boston Harbor draws huge crowds every day—and with that comes an increased law enforcement presence. Security personnel are trained to report suspected criminal activity quickly, and Everett Police are known to respond aggressively to incidents in and around the casino. Some of the most common charges include:
Even something like refusing to leave the casino floor when asked can lead to criminal charges. And in some cases, people are arrested based on little more than a misunderstanding or a complaint made by another patron or Encore Casino employee.
Casinos operate under strict state oversight, and Encore is no different. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission keeps a close eye on any incident that could reflect poorly on the casino or its licensing. That means security guards and local police are quick to take action—and prosecutors are less likely to drop charges quietly, even for minor offenses.
There’s also video surveillance everywhere. While this can work against you, it can also be used in your favor—especially when the footage contradicts what’s in a police report. Having an Encore Casino attorney who knows how to request and review that footage quickly can make or break your case.
If you’re arrested at Encore Boston Harbor, you will likely be taken into custody by Everett Police. Depending on the charge, you may be released with a summons to appear in court or held overnight and brought before a judge the next morning.
Your case will be heard in Malden District Court or, in more serious cases, Middlesex Superior Court. In addition to criminal charges, you may be banned from the casino or placed on a “self-exclusion” list.
Even if you don’t live in Massachusetts, a conviction can follow you back to your home state. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced Encore Casino criminal defense lawyer.
The best defense strategy will depend on the charge, the evidence, and how the arrest unfolded. That said, common defenses in casino-related arrests include:
Lack of intent. Many casino crimes—especially theft, fraud, or trespassing—require proof that you acted knowingly or deliberately. If you misunderstood the rules or were unaware of a restriction, the charge may not hold.
Misidentification. Casinos can be crowded and chaotic. Surveillance footage, witness accounts, or casino records may show that someone else was responsible.
Excessive force or overreach. If security or law enforcement went too far in detaining or charging you, they may have violated your constitutional rights. If so, that may mean the prosecution cannot use any of the evidence recovered against you.
Intoxication. Being intoxicated isn’t always a defense, but it can reduce the severity of certain charges or explain behavior that was not intended to cause harm.
An experienced Boston Encore Casino crimes lawyer will explore every possible angle—including reviewing surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and pushing back on weak or inflated charges.
A night out at Encore should never end in a permanent criminal record, but it can if you don’t take the charge seriously. Whether you were accused of causing a disturbance, committing theft, or violating casino rules, Attorney Patrick Murphy can help you move forward with confidence. Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy today at (617) 367-0450 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s talk about what happened—and how to keep it from defining your future.