Iowa criminal charge
Disorderly conduct in Iowa
Disorderly conduct is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 723.5. 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 § 723.5.
What is the penalty for disorderly conduct in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (First offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's first offense.; may be ordered in lieu of or in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(a))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $105 to $855 (First offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's first offense.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); jail may be ordered in lieu of the fine; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Second offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's second offense.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Second offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's second offense.; 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 (Third or subsequent offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's third or subsequent offense.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Third or subsequent offense — Applies when the violation of this section is the person's third or subsequent offense.; §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 disorderly conduct classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Simple Misdemeanor | Applies when the violation of this section is the person's first offense. | Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(a) |
| Second offense | Serious Misdemeanor | Applies when the violation of this section is the person's second offense. | Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(b) |
| Third or subsequent offense | Class “D” Felony | Applies when the violation of this section is the person's third or subsequent offense. | Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(c) |
Common questions about disorderly conduct in Iowa
Is disorderly conduct a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: disorderly conduct ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 723.5.
First offense: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(a)) · Second offense: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(b)) · Third or subsequent offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 723.5(3)(c))
What are the penalties for disorderly conduct in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers disorderly conduct?
Disorderly conduct is governed by Iowa Code § 723.5 (Disorderly conduct — funeral or memorial service).
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.