Iowa criminal charge
Assault in violation of individual rights in Iowa
Assault in violation of individual rights is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.2C. 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 § 708.2C.
What is the penalty for assault in violation of individual rights in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Assault in violation of individual rights - intent to inflict serious injury — The person commits the assault with the intent to inflict a serious injury upon another.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Assault in violation of individual rights - intent to inflict serious injury — The person commits the assault with the intent to inflict a serious injury upon another.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Assault in violation of individual rights - bodily injury or mental illness — The person commits the assault and causes bodily injury or mental illness.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Assault in violation of individual rights - bodily injury or mental illness — The person commits the assault and causes bodily injury or mental illness.; 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 5 years (Assault in violation of individual rights - dangerous weapon — The person commits the assault and uses or displays a dangerous weapon in connection with it.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Assault in violation of individual rights - dangerous weapon — The person commits the assault and uses or displays a dangerous weapon in connection with it.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Assault in violation of individual rights - other — Any other assault in violation of individual rights not otherwise specifically classified.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Assault in violation of individual rights - other — Any other assault in violation of individual rights not otherwise specifically classified.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §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 assault in violation of individual rights classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault in violation of individual rights - intent to inflict serious injury | Class “D” Felony | The person commits the assault with the intent to inflict a serious injury upon another. | Iowa Code § 708.2C(2) |
| Assault in violation of individual rights - bodily injury or mental illness | Aggravated Misdemeanor | The person commits the assault and causes bodily injury or mental illness. | Iowa Code § 708.2C(3) |
| Assault in violation of individual rights - dangerous weapon | Class “D” Felony | The person commits the assault and uses or displays a dangerous weapon in connection with it. | Iowa Code § 708.2C(4) |
| Assault in violation of individual rights - other | Serious Misdemeanor | Any other assault in violation of individual rights not otherwise specifically classified. | Iowa Code § 708.2C(5) |
Common questions about assault in violation of individual rights in Iowa
Is assault in violation of individual rights a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: assault in violation of individual rights ranges from a Serious Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.2C.
Assault in violation of individual rights - intent to inflict serious injury: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.2C(2)) · Assault in violation of individual rights - bodily injury or mental illness: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.2C(3)) · Assault in violation of individual rights - dangerous weapon: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.2C(4)) · Assault in violation of individual rights - other: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.2C(5))
What are the penalties for assault in violation of individual rights in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers assault in violation of individual rights?
Assault in violation of individual rights is governed by Iowa Code § 708.2C (Assault in violation of individual rights — penalties).
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.