Advertize on public property, pay fine?

[Mec4040]

What is the name of your state? NY

Hello,

Have another question from son of mine. He wants to know if you can get a fine or jail time for advertizing on public property.

Example: say ur in the park holding a sign saying 'buy my bargains' or in the city on the sidewalk walking around with sign. Can any of these reasons get u a fine or put you in jail?

Would there be any reason for why I could get a fine for doing this.

Thanks for your time and looking forward to the answer.

Lisa S

 

[Mec4040]

Hello,

I could really use someone to please take the time and help me on this question. I would be very thankful for some help.



Thanks again for the time,



Lisa S

 

[You Are Guilty]

If someone is holding such a sign (and it is not "affixed" to any public property), it is perfectly legal on public property. On private property, you can be cited for trespassing.

 

[badapple40]

Thats assuming there are no licensing/solicitation ordinances in place.

 

[seniorjudge]

Sounds like a first amendment situation to me.

 

[meganproser]

Why doesn't your son ask the police? If they or someone else are telling him it's illegal, they should be able to tell him what law he's breaking.

 

[HomeGuru]

Maybe the sign says "BUY MY DRUGS CHEAP"

 

[You Are Guilty]

Well, I figured out what the problem was. See for yourself.

 

[CdwJava]

Commercial advertisement isn't protected speech. If he's advertising in the park, it's very likely that there is an ordinance against it. Or, he's accused of selling without a proper permit.

I would think it is punishable by a fine only. At least the first time.

- Carl

 

[meganproser]

Good one IAG.

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for OP to come back and tell us the actual circumstances.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Carl, while I agree that you may be correct with respect to a park (but although I don't practice criminal law at all, I am fairly familiar with the local codes and do not know of any that would apply here), I suspect the OP was one of the many sandwich board/sign on a pole guys who are commonly seen walking the sidewalks of the City pointing out the way to the nearest McDonalds or 99-Cent store.