States across the U.S. have disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace laws. Generally, disorderly conduct is defined as acting a certain way in public that could be considered offensive by others. These acts can vary from using obscene language to fighting.
Iowa has a disorderly conduct statute which prohibits various activities that can be bothersome to others. Iowa has a separate statute prohibiting disorderly conduct at a funeral or memorial service. Disorderly conduct at a funeral or memorial service is a simple misdemeanor if it's a first offense, a serious misdemeanor if it's a second offense, and a class D felony for a third or subsequent offense.
Iowa Disorderly Conduct Statute
The following is a quick summary of Iowa's disorderly conduct laws.
Code Sections |
Iowa Code Annotated § 723.4, Disorderly Conduct |
What is Prohibited?
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The following acts are prohibited:
- Fighting or engaging in violent behavior in a public place or near a lawful assembly of people.
- Making loud and raucous noise near any residence or public building which causes unreasonable distress to the occupants.
- Directing abusive words or making a threatening gesture which the person knows (or reasonably should know) is likely to provoke a violent reaction by another.
- Disturbing a lawful assembly or meeting with conduct intended to disrupt the assembly or meeting.
- By words or action, initiating or circulating a report or warning of a catastrophe (i.e. fire, epidemic, etc.) knowing that the report is false or that the warning doesn't have a valid basis.
- Knowingly and publicly using the United States flag in a disrespectful manner, with the intent or reasonable expectation that it will encourage or provoke another to commit trespass or assault.
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Penalty |
Violation of this statute is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $65 and a maximum fine of $625. The court may also impose a prison term of up to 30 days. The prison term can be in addition to the fine, or in place of the fine. |
Iowa Disorderly Conduct Laws: Related Resources
You can visit FindLaw's section on Public Safety Violations for more information and articles on this topic. If you or someone close to you is facing a disorderly conduct charge or any other criminal charges, it's in your best interests to consult with a criminal defense attorney in your area.