Iowa criminal charge
Illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine in Iowa
Illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 715A.10. 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.10.
What is the penalty for illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Possession of scanning device with intent or knowledge of illegal use — Possessing a scanning device with intent to use it to unlawfully obtain payment card information, or with knowledge another intends to so use it, without required permission.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Possession of scanning device with intent or knowledge of illegal use — Possessing a scanning device with intent to use it to unlawfully obtain payment card information, or with knowledge another intends to so use it, without required permission.; 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 (Second or subsequent violation — Applies when a person commits a second or subsequent violation of any offense under this section.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Second or subsequent violation — Applies when a person commits a second or subsequent violation of any offense under this section.; §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 use of scanning device or encoding machine classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of scanning device with intent or knowledge of illegal use | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Possessing a scanning device with intent to use it to unlawfully obtain payment card information, or with knowledge another intends to so use it, without required permission. | Iowa Code § 715A.10(2) |
| Second or subsequent violation | Class “C” Felony | Applies when a person commits a second or subsequent violation of any offense under this section. | Iowa Code § 715A.10(3) |
Common questions about illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine in Iowa
Is illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 715A.10.
Possession of scanning device with intent or knowledge of illegal use: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 715A.10(2)) · Second or subsequent violation: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 715A.10(3))
What are the penalties for illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine?
Illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine is governed by Iowa Code § 715A.10 (Illegal use of scanning device or encoding machine).
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.