Youth illegal gambling can even lead to criminal trials... Response required from the beginning

Recently, illegal gambling by youth has emerged as a serious social problem. As a result of the National Police Agency's special crackdown on cyber gambling from September 25 last year to November 31 this year, a total of 9,971 people were arrested, of which 4,715, or nearly half, were teenagers.

Adolescents' values ​​are not fully formed, so their way of thinking and judgment are often immature compared to adults. During these times, not only is the risk of falling into gambling greater, but it is also very likely to lead to psychological addiction. This not only causes financial losses but also has a serious impact on overall life, including studies, human relationships, and family life.

In particular, young people often indulge in gambling in cyberspace. This is because not many places require a separate adult verification process, so the sign-up process is simple and can be easily accessed using smartphones, etc. In addition to the guaranteed anonymity of being able to enjoy gambling without the knowledge of adults around you, such as parents or teachers, one reason is also that it is easy to come across advertisements for illegal gambling sites online.

Anyone who engages in gambling, including cyber gambling, is subject to a fine of up to 10 million won under Article 246 of the Criminal Act. If the act is repeated, a prison sentence of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 20 million won will be imposed. If you operate a gambling house, the punishment will be more severe and you will be subject to imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

In general, minors are often placed under protective custody unless they commit a violent crime. As for gambling, if it is your first offense, you can seek leniency. However, if you have gambled multiple times or run a gambling house, the story may be different. In fact, quite a few young people are involved in operating gambling sites, and in this case, the crime of opening a gambling site is applied and even minors can be put on trial. This means that, unlike a juvenile protection trial, the charges will be acknowledged and a criminal record will remain. In fact, last year, the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office indicted a group of people who ran an illegal gambling site, and 12 of them were teenagers.

Therefore, if you are suspected of being involved in a gambling establishment, you must proactively respond by developing a strategy that suits your situation. To achieve this, it is necessary to seek help from a legal expert, such as a lawyer, as soon as possible.

Also, even if you can seek leniency by committing a crime for the first time, this does not mean that legal action will not be taken. Therefore, an active response is needed to receive a lighter disposition. Therefore, in this case as well, it is best to proceed with legal procedures by establishing a thorough strategy with the assistance of experts.

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