Iowa criminal charge
Illegal reentry into state by certain aliens in Iowa
Illegal reentry into state by certain aliens is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 718C.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 § 718C.2.
What is the penalty for illegal reentry into state by certain aliens in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Illegal reentry — base offense — An offense under this section is an aggravated misdemeanor unless one of the felony-elevating circumstances in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b) applies.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Illegal reentry — base offense — An offense under this section is an aggravated misdemeanor unless one of the felony-elevating circumstances in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b) applies.; 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 10 years (Illegal reentry after removal following a felony conviction — The offense is a class C felony if the person was removed subsequent to a conviction for the commission of a felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Illegal reentry after removal following a felony conviction — The offense is a class C felony if the person was removed subsequent to a conviction for the commission of a felony.; §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 illegal reentry into state by certain aliens classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal reentry — base offense | Aggravated Misdemeanor | An offense under this section is an aggravated misdemeanor unless one of the felony-elevating circumstances in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b) applies. | Iowa Code § 718C.2(2) |
| Illegal reentry after removal following a felony conviction | Class “C” Felony | The offense is a class C felony if the person was removed subsequent to a conviction for the commission of a felony. | Iowa Code § 718C.2(2)(b) |
Common questions about illegal reentry into state by certain aliens in Iowa
Is illegal reentry into state by certain aliens a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: illegal reentry into state by certain aliens ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 718C.2.
Illegal reentry — base offense: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 718C.2(2)) · Illegal reentry after removal following a felony conviction: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 718C.2(2)(b))
What are the penalties for illegal reentry into state by certain aliens in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers illegal reentry into state by certain aliens?
Illegal reentry into state by certain aliens is governed by Iowa Code § 718C.2 (Illegal reentry into state by certain aliens).
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.