How To Busk Legally in NYC

Russ is the lead defense attorney at NYC’s Midtown Community Court, specializing in defending quality of life offenders. He has been a practicing defense attorney since graduating law school in 1983. We are proud to present tips & tricks for 'busking legally' in the City of New York.Before you leave your house, check to make sure you have a Good ID card in your pocket.

In New York City, the NYPD only accepts two types of ID cards as proof that you are who you say you are:

1) A valid New York State driver's license. 2) A valid New York State non driver's license ID card issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Out of state driver’s license? Off to jail you go, Mr. Springsteen.

Foreign Passport? You're gettin' nicked Nigel.

Foreign, government issued, national ID card? Do not pass “Go”. Go directly to jail.

College ID? Epic fail; going to jail.

Did you check all of your pockets for anything that may be considered a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia?

NO joints, roaches, pipes, screens, glass tubing, Ziplocs, glassines, clips, one hitters, NO kind of white powdery anything, crumbs, ashes, or green flakey vegetable matter.

Check all your bags, cases, backpacks, purses or pocketbooks for the same things.

Have you checked your pockets for anything that may be considered a weapon?

Leave the knives at home, regardless of whether you need it to set up or take down your equipment. This includes any pocket, folding, boy scout, fishing, rigging, utility, box cutting, switchblade, sling blades, Kaiser Blade, gravity, steak or butter knives.

No guns. Not even water pistols.

Finally:

Have all of your outstanding tickets or summonses paid?

Have you been appearing in court every time you were supposed to?

IF THE ANSWER TO EITHER OF THESE IS "NOT SURE" OR “NO” STAY HOME!!

Because you're going to get locked up.

Next time: What to do if you have a police encounter.

Russ Novack is a defense attorney in New York City.

#buskers #Turntable