It’s almost that time again—New York Comic Con 2025 is landing at the Javits Center, and the city is about to be flooded with capes, lightsabers, glowing wands, and replica weapons you swear are just for show.
As a criminal defense lawyer in Queens, I love seeing this side of New York: the color, the creativity, the freedom of expression. But I also see the flip side—the one that gets people in trouble when they don’t know where fantasy ends and New York law begins.
If you’re heading to NYCC this year, great. But do yourself a favor: read this first.
Dressing Like Bruce Lee Might Get You Popped for Possession
You want to pay homage to Bruce Lee. That’s awesome. But here’s the thing—New York law isn’t always as forgiving as your fandom.
Nunchakus, for example, are still restricted under New York Penal Law § 265.01. Yes, even the toy ones can land you in hot water depending on where you are and how you carry them.
You might think, “But they’re fake!” Doesn’t matter. If you’re outside the con, or even walking from the subway to the event, and an officer decides you’re carrying what looks like a prohibited weapon—you’re getting stopped. Maybe cited. Maybe worse.
So before you complete your cosplay, remember: Comic Con doesn’t exempt you from real-world laws.
Replica Weapons: The Gray Area You Can’t Afford to Miss
You’ve got a lightsaber, a sword, a sci-fi blaster that lights up and plays sound effects—cool. But:
- Metal blades (even dull ones)? Not cool.
- Airsoft guns? Could be a felony if they’re realistic enough.
- Anything with a trigger and a magazine slot? NYPD may treat it as a firearm under inspection.
NYCC has its own strict prop weapon policy, but that doesn’t override New York State law. The moment you step outside the building, you’re in NYPD’s jurisdiction, not a comic book universe.
And if you’re a minor carrying something sketchy? Forget it. Now you’re in the system before you’re old enough to vote.
You’re Still in Public—That Means Surveillance, Behavior Laws, and Accountability
It’s easy to feel like NYCC is its own little world. But the Javits Center is a public venue, and that means a few things:
- You’re being filmed—by cameras, by phones, by staff.
- Your behavior can be reported—and if it crosses a line, law enforcement will respond.
- Alcohol, harassment, or “just joking around” can turn criminal faster than you can say “It’s just cosplay.”
In past years, I’ve seen clients charged with everything from disorderly conduct to public intoxication, groping, property damage, and even resisting arrest at events like these.
Listen, I know 99.9% of fans are just there to geek out and have fun. But if you push the wrong boundary in the wrong moment—especially in today’s hyper-surveilled environment—you’re not walking away with a warning.
Think You’re Anonymous in a Mask? Think Again.
It’s fun to dress like Deadpool or Darth Vader. But some folks assume a mask makes them anonymous. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
If something goes sideways—an altercation, theft, harassment—you will be tracked. Surveillance footage, social media, facial recognition, and eyewitnesses are more than enough to ID you.
Wearing a costume doesn’t make you immune. In fact, it can make you stand out.
Know Before You Go: Legal Tips from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Queens
Here’s what I tell anyone heading into a big public event in New York:
1. Know Your Props
If it looks like a weapon—even if it isn’t—it can be treated as one. Check both Comic Con’s policy and NY state law before you pack it. Under New York Penal Law § 265.01, possession of certain weapons (like nunchakus) is a crime—even if they’re replicas.
2. Watch Your Alcohol
Javits Center security does not play around. Neither do the police. If you show up intoxicated or cause a disturbance, you’re going to be escorted out—or worse.
3. Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Consent is everything. Just because someone’s in costume doesn’t mean they’re a photo-op. Unwanted touching, “funny” photos, or inappropriate comments can absolutely become misdemeanor charges.
4. If You’re Stopped, Stay Cool
If you do get questioned by NYPD or event security, do not argue on the street. Ask if you’re being detained. If not, politely leave. If so, say clearly, “I’d like to speak to my attorney.” Then say nothing else.
Nudity, Photography, and Public Decency Laws
Let’s clear something up: Comic Con isn’t Mardi Gras. Just because you see risqué cosplay online doesn’t mean you can show up in barely anything and expect a free pass.
New York has public decency laws. If your costume crosses into exposure or indecent conduct—yes, even if it’s “part of the character”—you can be cited, removed, or even arrested under New York Penal Law § 245.00 (Public Lewdness) or § 245.01 (Exposure of a Person).
If you’re portraying a sexualized version of a child-like anime character (e.g. Sailor Moon or similar), and your behavior is provocative or lewd, that can still be a problem—even if you’re an adult. While Penal Law Article 263 (Sexual Performance by a Child) applies only if an actual minor is involved, your conduct could still fall under public lewdness or harassment statutes if it’s seen as intentionally provocative or offensive in public.
📸 What About Taking Photos?
Photographing people in public is generally legal—but that doesn’t mean it’s ethical. If someone is clearly uncomfortable or says “no,” don’t push it. Taking intrusive or upskirt/downblouse photos may also trigger charges under New York Penal Law § 250.45 (Unlawful Surveillance).
If your photos are used commercially (for prints, monetized content, or merch), you could also run afoul of civil claims regarding likeness use and privacy—especially if the person photographed did not consent.
Bottom line? Be respectful. Don’t be a creep with a camera or a cosplayer pushing limits. You’re still in a public space, subject to public law—and public reaction.
Final Thought: Don’t Turn a Fun Weekend Into a Criminal Record
Look, Comic Con is supposed to be a celebration—a break from the stress of daily life. And I hope everyone attending has a blast.
But when you mix huge crowds, fake weapons, alcohol, and adrenaline? Mistakes get made. And the last thing you want is to call someone like me after you’ve already been booked.
So enjoy the show. Rock your costume. Just remember: New York law doesn’t pause for pop culture.
And if things do go sideways? You know where to find me.
Know your rights before attending a big public event
Explore criminal defense services in Queens
Arrested at a public event? Here’s what to do next
The Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Cohen — We Stand By You…
Call my office today, at (718) 275-5900 for a free 20-minute consultation.
