Re: NYC poker raid?
With probable cause to suspect you, they can get a warrant from a judge. They can not search or seize (detain) you unreasonably, which usually means they must observe you in an illegal act, or have some reasonable suspicion and can't wait to get a warrant. This is not by law but by constitutional right. I'm sure the clubs were raided upon execution of a warrant.
Historically, laws rarely get changed without someone sitting in a cell. I probably would not sit in jail for the right to hold poker games. (My backgammon skills would probably not help me survive) I do applaud someone who will sit in jail for the right not to have to carry ID, but I believe it's a losing battle and things will soon be worse than 1940's Europe.
Clearly, poker will not be a gray area much longer, although it has been for 100 years in New York. I will continue to follow the letter of the law as much as I can, leaning towards individual liberty where the law is gray.
We just want to play cards for a few bucks, right?
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