Iowa criminal charge
Electronic contraband criminal penalties in Iowa
Electronic contraband criminal penalties is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 719.7A. 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 § 719.7A.
What is the penalty for electronic contraband criminal penalties in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Possessing electronic contraband — A person who possesses electronic contraband, as defined in subsection (2), commits this 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 (Possessing electronic contraband — A person who possesses electronic contraband, as defined in subsection (2), commits this offense.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Failing to report electronic contraband — A person who fails to report a known or attempted violation of this section to an official or officer at a facility commits this offense.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Failing to report electronic contraband — A person who fails to report a known or attempted violation of this section to an official or officer at a facility commits this offense.; 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 electronic contraband criminal penalties classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possessing electronic contraband | Class “D” Felony | A person who possesses electronic contraband, as defined in subsection (2), commits this offense. | Iowa Code § 719.7A(3) |
| Failing to report electronic contraband | Aggravated Misdemeanor | A person who fails to report a known or attempted violation of this section to an official or officer at a facility commits this offense. | Iowa Code § 719.7A(4)(b) |
Common questions about electronic contraband criminal penalties in Iowa
Is electronic contraband criminal penalties a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: electronic contraband criminal penalties ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 719.7A.
Possessing electronic contraband: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 719.7A(3)) · Failing to report electronic contraband: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 719.7A(4)(b))
What are the penalties for electronic contraband criminal penalties in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers electronic contraband criminal penalties?
Electronic contraband criminal penalties is governed by Iowa Code § 719.7A (Electronic contraband 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.