Iowa criminal charge
Accessory after the fact in Iowa
Accessory after the fact is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 703.3. Its classification is not fixed: Iowa assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Iowa Code § 703.3.
What is the penalty for accessory after the fact in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Accessory after the fact — underlying homicide offense — Applies when the public offense the person aided after the fact was a violation of section 707.2, 707.3, or 707.3A.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Accessory after the fact — underlying homicide offense — Applies when the public offense the person aided after the fact was a violation of section 707.2, 707.3, or 707.3A.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Accessory after the fact — other felony — Applies when the public offense committed was a felony not covered under subsection (1).; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Accessory after the fact — other felony — Applies when the public offense committed was a felony not covered under subsection (1).; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Accessory after the fact — misdemeanor offense — Applies when the public offense committed was a misdemeanor.; may be ordered in lieu of or in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(a))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $105 to $855 (Accessory after the fact — misdemeanor offense — Applies when the public offense committed was a misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); jail may be ordered in lieu of the fine; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is accessory after the fact classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory after the fact — underlying homicide offense | Class “D” Felony | Applies when the public offense the person aided after the fact was a violation of section 707.2, 707.3, or 707.3A. | Iowa Code § 703.3(1) |
| Accessory after the fact — other felony | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when the public offense committed was a felony not covered under subsection (1). | Iowa Code § 703.3(2) |
| Accessory after the fact — misdemeanor offense | Simple Misdemeanor | Applies when the public offense committed was a misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 703.3(3) |
Common questions about accessory after the fact in Iowa
Is accessory after the fact a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: accessory after the fact ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 703.3.
Accessory after the fact — underlying homicide offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 703.3(1)) · Accessory after the fact — other felony: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 703.3(2)) · Accessory after the fact — misdemeanor offense: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 703.3(3))
What are the penalties for accessory after the fact in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers accessory after the fact?
Accessory after the fact is governed by Iowa Code § 703.3 (Accessory after the fact).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.