Iowa Disorderly Conduct Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of attorney writers and editors.

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?

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.
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.

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