Quick answers
Is hazing a crime in Arizona?
Yes. Hazing is a crime in Arizona (A.R.S. § 13-1215, known as Jack's Law). A civil claim is separate, and it doesn't need an arrest or a conviction to go forward.
Is consent a defense to hazing in Arizona?
No. Arizona's criminal hazing statute says consent, or the approval of the group or school, is not a defense to the crime (A.R.S. § 13-1215(E)). Every public school, community college and university must adopt a hazing policy that says the same (A.R.S. § 15-2301). Going along with it isn't agreeing.
How long do I have to sue after hazing in Arizona?
Two years for most personal-injury claims (A.R.S. § 12-542). Claims against a public university start much sooner: a notice of claim is due within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01), and the lawsuit within one year (A.R.S. § 12-821). When the clock starts depends on the facts, and different rules can apply to minors.
The criminal side
Arizona's hazing law (A.R.S. § 13-1215, known as Jack's Law) took effect in 2022. It covers conduct tied to joining or staying in a group, from forced drinking to physical brutality and sexual humiliation. Hazing is a class 1 misdemeanor, and a class 4 felony if it causes a death (A.R.S. § 13-1215(F)). A criminal case punishes. See what counts as hazing in Arizona.
The civil side
A civil claim compensates. It is separate from any criminal case, and it doesn't wait for one. Depending on the facts, a claim can reach more than the people who were in the room:
- Individual members, who planned, ordered or carried it out.
- The local chapter or group that ran the initiation.
- The national organization, where it knew or should have known and did not act.
- Property owners and hosts, where the house or the event made it possible.
- The school, in some cases, subject to the public-entity deadlines below.
Going along with it isn't agreeing
Arizona requires every public school, community college and university to adopt a hazing policy that states a student's consent is not a defense (A.R.S. § 15-2301). The criminal hazing statute says the same: consent, or the approval of the group or school, is not a defense to the crime (A.R.S. § 13-1215(E)). Going along with it, or not saying no, doesn't make it your fault.
Deadlines
Arizona has more than one clock. Which ones apply depends on who may be responsible.
When the clock starts depends on the facts. Different rules can apply to minors. A lawyer can tell you which deadlines apply to you.
A university finding is not a court judgment
Universities publish their findings about student organizations. A school's finding is about its own rules. It doesn't decide whether anyone owes your family anything, and it isn't a court judgment. We say so wherever we mention one.
Hazing laws differ by state. See hazing law by state.
Go deeper
- What counts as hazing in Arizona
- Who can be responsible for hazing
- Wrongful death after hazing
- Hazing in high schools and on athletic teams
- What Arizona universities have published
- Hazing at the University of Arizona
- Hazing at Arizona State University
- Hazing at Northern Arizona University
Where we can help
We are based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our lawyer is licensed in Arizona. Call us and tell us what happened, at your own pace. A lawyer reviews it before we say whether we can help.
What you can do now
Save what you have, and hold off on confronting anyone. The 48-hour checklist lists what to keep and what to leave alone. You are not in trouble for calling, and you don't have to decide anything today.
Updated October 8, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and the right answer depends on the facts.