Iowa criminal charge
Forgery in Iowa
Forgery is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 715A.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 § 715A.2.
What is the penalty for forgery in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Forgery — will, deed, contract, or other legal-relations document — The forged writing is or purports to be a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument, or other document evidencing, creating, transferring, altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting legal relations.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Forgery — will, deed, contract, or other legal-relations document — The forged writing is or purports to be a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument, or other document evidencing, creating, transferring, altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting legal relations.; 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 forgery classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forgery — will, deed, contract, or other legal-relations document | Aggravated Misdemeanor | The forged writing is or purports to be a will, deed, contract, release, commercial instrument, or other document evidencing, creating, transferring, altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting legal relations. | Iowa Code § 715A.2(2)(b) |
Common questions about forgery in Iowa
Is forgery a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
What are the penalties for forgery in Iowa?
Penalties for forgery in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Aggravated Misdemeanor up to a Aggravated Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 903.1; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers forgery?
Forgery is governed by Iowa Code § 715A.2 (Forgery).
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.