New York statute
N.Y. Penal Law § 120.16 — Hazing in the first 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
Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 120.16
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.
120.16 Hazing in the first degree.
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course
of another person's initiation into 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 and thereby
causes such injury.
Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
What class of misdemeanor is hazing in the first degree in New York?
Hazing in the first degree is a Class A Misdemeanor in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 120.16.
Which New York statute covers hazing in the first degree?
Hazing in the first degree is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 120.16 (Hazing in the first degree).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.