Iowa criminal charge
Harassment in Iowa
Harassment is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.7. 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 § 708.7.
What is the penalty for harassment in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Harassment in the first degree — Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit a forcible felony, a violation of subsection 1(a)(5) (nonconsensual sexual imagery), harassment after three or more prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years, or harassment against a person lawfully in a place of public accommodation.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Harassment in the first degree — Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit a forcible felony, a violation of subsection 1(a)(5) (nonconsensual sexual imagery), harassment after three or more prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years, or harassment against a person lawfully in a place of public accommodation.; 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 1 years (Harassment in the second degree — Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit bodily injury or the person has two prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Harassment in the second degree — Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit bodily injury or the person has two prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years.; 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 30 days (Harassment in the third degree — Applies to any other act of harassment not qualifying as first or second degree.; 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 (Harassment in the third degree — Applies to any other act of harassment not qualifying as first or second degree.; 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 |
Applies to current (2026 Iowa Code; fine levels per 2020 Acts ch 1074).
How is harassment classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harassment in the first degree | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit a forcible felony, a violation of subsection 1(a)(5) (nonconsensual sexual imagery), harassment after three or more prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years, or harassment against a person lawfully in a place of public accommodation. | Iowa Code § 708.7(2)(b) |
| Harassment in the second degree | Serious Misdemeanor | Applies when harassment involves a threat to commit bodily injury or the person has two prior harassment convictions in the preceding ten years. | Iowa Code § 708.7(3)(b) |
| Harassment in the third degree | Simple Misdemeanor | Applies to any other act of harassment not qualifying as first or second degree. | Iowa Code § 708.7(4)(b) |
Common questions about harassment in Iowa
Is harassment a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: harassment ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Aggravated Misdemeanor in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.7.
Harassment in the first degree: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.7(2)(b)) · Harassment in the second degree: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.7(3)(b)) · Harassment in the third degree: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.7(4)(b))
What are the penalties for harassment in Iowa?
Penalties for harassment in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Simple 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 harassment?
Harassment is governed by Iowa Code § 708.7 (Harassment).
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.