Iowa criminal charge
Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in Iowa
Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 709.11. 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 § 709.11.
What is the penalty for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — serious injury — Applies if the person thereby causes serious injury to any person.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — serious injury — Applies if the person thereby causes serious injury to any person.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — bodily injury — Applies if the person thereby causes any person a bodily injury other than a serious injury.; 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 with intent to commit sexual abuse — bodily injury — Applies if the person thereby causes any person a bodily injury other than a serious injury.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — no injury — Applies if no injury results from the assault.; 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 with intent to commit sexual abuse — no injury — Applies if no injury results from the assault.; 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 with intent to commit sexual abuse classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — serious injury | Class “C” Felony | Applies if the person thereby causes serious injury to any person. | Iowa Code § 709.11(1) |
| Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — bodily injury | Class “D” Felony | Applies if the person thereby causes any person a bodily injury other than a serious injury. | Iowa Code § 709.11(2) |
| Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — no injury | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies if no injury results from the assault. | Iowa Code § 709.11(3) |
Common questions about assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in Iowa
Is assault with intent to commit sexual abuse a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: assault with intent to commit sexual abuse ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 709.11.
Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — serious injury: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 709.11(1)) · Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — bodily injury: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 709.11(2)) · Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse — no injury: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 709.11(3))
What are the penalties for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers assault with intent to commit sexual abuse?
Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse is governed by Iowa Code § 709.11 (Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse).
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.