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NY State — NY Penal Law

§ 165.35 — Fortune telling

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Statute text reproduced from nysenate.gov. Not attorney-reviewed for your situation — for reference only.

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What is NY PL § 165.35?

Quick Answer

A person is guilty of fortune telling when, for a fee or compensation which he directly or indirectly solicits or receives, he claims or pretends to tell fortunes, or holds himself out as being able, by claimed or pretended use of occult powers, to answer questions or give advice on personal matters or to exorcise, inf

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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§ 165.35 Fortune telling

PL § 165.35

§ 165.35 Fortune telling.

A person is guilty of fortune telling when, for a fee or compensation which he directly or indirectly solicits or receives, he claims or pretends to tell fortunes, or holds himself out as being able, by claimed or pretended use of occult powers, to answer questions or give advice on personal matters or to exorcise, influence or affect evil spirits or curses; except that this section does not apply to a person who engages in the aforedescribed conduct as part of a show or exhibition solely for the purpose of entertainment or amusement.

Fortune telling is a class B misdemeanor.

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