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Iowa legal term

Loiter in Iowa Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Iowa legislative session

In Iowa criminal law, “Loiter” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Iowa criminal code.

What does “Loiter” mean in Iowa criminal law?

“Loiter” means remaining in a place or circulating around a place under circumstances that would warrant a reasonable person to believe that the purpose or effect of the behavior is to enable a sex offender to become familiar with a location where a potential victim may be found, or to satisfy an unlawful sexual desire, or to locate, lure, or harass a potential victim. 18. “Military offense” means a sex offense specified by the secretary of defense under 10 U.S.C. §951. 19. “Minor” means a person under eighteen years of age. 20. “Principal residence” for a sex offender means: a. (Iowa Code § 692A.101)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.