Iowa criminal charge
Dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors in Iowa
Dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 728.2. 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 § 728.2.
How is dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Serious Misdemeanor | Applies when the offense is a first offense. | Iowa Code § 728.2(1) |
| Second offense | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when the offense is a second offense, carrying a mandatory minimum one-year term of confinement that cannot be deferred or suspended. | Iowa Code § 728.2(2) |
| Third or subsequent offense | Class “D” Felony | Applies when the offense is a third or subsequent offense, carrying a mandatory minimum three-year term of confinement that cannot be deferred or suspended. | Iowa Code § 728.2(3) |
Common questions about dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors in Iowa
Is dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors ranges from a Serious Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 728.2.
First offense: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 728.2(1)) · Second offense: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 728.2(2)) · Third or subsequent offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 728.2(3))
Which Iowa statute covers dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors?
Dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors is governed by Iowa Code § 728.2 (Dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors).
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.