Iowa criminal charge
Criminal penalties in Iowa
Criminal penalties is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 715.7. 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 § 715.7.
What is the penalty for criminal penalties in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Unlawful act under subchapter — A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Unlawful act under subchapter — A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.; 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 (Unlawful act causing pecuniary loss exceeding $1,000 — A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter and causes pecuniary losses exceeding one thousand dollars to a victim is guilty of a class "D" felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Unlawful act causing pecuniary loss exceeding $1,000 — A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter and causes pecuniary losses exceeding one thousand dollars to a victim is guilty of a class "D" felony.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is criminal penalties classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful act under subchapter | Aggravated Misdemeanor | A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 715.7(1) |
| Unlawful act causing pecuniary loss exceeding $1,000 | Class “D” Felony | A person who commits an unlawful act under this subchapter and causes pecuniary losses exceeding one thousand dollars to a victim is guilty of a class "D" felony. | Iowa Code § 715.7(2) |
Common questions about criminal penalties in Iowa
Is criminal penalties a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: criminal penalties ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 715.7.
Unlawful act under subchapter: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 715.7(1)) · Unlawful act causing pecuniary loss exceeding $1,000: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 715.7(2))
What are the penalties for criminal penalties in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers criminal penalties?
Criminal penalties is governed by Iowa Code § 715.7 (Criminal 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.