New York statute

N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17 — Hazing in the second degree

Current through 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

Part of Article 120: Assault and Related Offenses, New York Penal Law.

Criminal charges under this statute

Hazing in the second degree

Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17

Statutory text current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17). This publication reproduces the text of the Consolidated Laws of New York as provided by the New York State Senate's Open Legislation service (Legislative Bill Drafting Commission statutory text); it is not the official statutes of the State of New York.

N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17Primary source, current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

120.17 Hazing in the second degree. A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. Hazing in the second degree is a violation.

Official sources

Official OLLS publication (Title download)

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is hazing in the second degree a crime in New York?

Hazing in the second degree is a violation in New York, and a violation is not a crime under New York Penal Law § 10.00(6) — a conviction is a noncriminal disposition, not a criminal conviction. Hazing in the second degree is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17.

Which New York statute covers hazing in the second degree?

Hazing in the second degree is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 120.17 (Hazing in the second degree).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.