Iowa criminal charge
Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon in Iowa
Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.13. 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 § 708.13.
What is the penalty for disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon — A person disarms or attempts to disarm a peace officer of a dangerous weapon as described in subsection (1).; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon — A person disarms or attempts to disarm a peace officer of a dangerous weapon as described in subsection (1).; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Disarming a peace officer with discharge of the weapon — The person discharges the dangerous weapon while disarming or attempting to disarm the peace officer.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Disarming a peace officer with discharge of the weapon — The person discharges the dangerous weapon while disarming or attempting to disarm the peace officer.; §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 disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon | Class “D” Felony | A person disarms or attempts to disarm a peace officer of a dangerous weapon as described in subsection (1). | Iowa Code § 708.13(2) |
| Disarming a peace officer with discharge of the weapon | Class “C” Felony | The person discharges the dangerous weapon while disarming or attempting to disarm the peace officer. | Iowa Code § 708.13(3) |
Common questions about disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon in Iowa
Is disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon ranges from a Class “D” Felony to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.13.
Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.13(2)) · Disarming a peace officer with discharge of the weapon: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.13(3))
What are the penalties for disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon in Iowa?
Penalties for disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Class “D” Felony up to a Class “C” 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 disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon?
Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon is governed by Iowa Code § 708.13 (Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon).
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.