Iowa criminal charge
Hazing in Iowa
Hazing is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.10. Its classification is not fixed: Iowa assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Iowa Code § 708.10.
What is the penalty for hazing in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Hazing (base offense) — A person who commits an act of hazing, without causing serious bodily injury, is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.; may be ordered in lieu of or in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(a))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $105 to $855 (Hazing (base offense) — A person who commits an act of hazing, without causing serious bodily injury, is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); jail may be ordered in lieu of the fine; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Hazing causing serious bodily injury — A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Hazing causing serious bodily injury — A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is hazing classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazing (base offense) | Simple Misdemeanor | A person who commits an act of hazing, without causing serious bodily injury, is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 708.10(2) |
| Hazing causing serious bodily injury | Serious Misdemeanor | A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 708.10(3) |
Common questions about hazing in Iowa
Is hazing a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
What are the penalties for hazing in Iowa?
Penalties for hazing in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Simple Misdemeanor up to a Serious Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 903.1; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers hazing?
Hazing is governed by Iowa Code § 708.10 (Hazing).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.