Iowa criminal charge
Anthrax in Iowa
Anthrax is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708B.1. 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 § 708B.1.
What is the penalty for anthrax in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Unlawful possession of anthrax — A person knowingly possesses bacillus anthracis or any substance containing bacillus anthracis.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Unlawful possession of anthrax — A person knowingly possesses bacillus anthracis or any substance containing bacillus anthracis.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 25 years (Unlawful distribution of anthrax — A person knowingly distributes bacillus anthracis or any substance containing bacillus anthracis to another person, regardless of whether exposure results.; indeterminate term (§902.3): the statute sets only the maximum; release is determined by the board of parole. No fine for a class “B” felony under §902.9) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is anthrax classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful possession of anthrax | Class “C” Felony | A person knowingly possesses bacillus anthracis or any substance containing bacillus anthracis. | Iowa Code § 708B.1(1) |
| Unlawful distribution of anthrax | Class “B” Felony | A person knowingly distributes bacillus anthracis or any substance containing bacillus anthracis to another person, regardless of whether exposure results. | Iowa Code § 708B.1(2) |
Common questions about anthrax in Iowa
Is anthrax a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
What are the penalties for anthrax in Iowa?
Penalties for anthrax in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Class “C” Felony up to a Class “B” Felony — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 902.9; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers anthrax?
Anthrax is governed by Iowa Code § 708B.1 (Anthrax).
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.