Iowa criminal charge
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon in Iowa
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.6. 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 § 708.6.
What is the penalty for intimidation with a dangerous weapon in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Intimidation with a dangerous weapon — general — The person shoots, throws, launches, or discharges a dangerous weapon at, into, or in an occupied structure/vehicle or within an assembly of people, placing occupants or people in reasonable apprehension of serious injury, or threatens such an act under circumstances raising a reasonable expectation the threat will be carried out, without the specific intent element of subsection (1).; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Intimidation with a dangerous weapon — general — The person shoots, throws, launches, or discharges a dangerous weapon at, into, or in an occupied structure/vehicle or within an assembly of people, placing occupants or people in reasonable apprehension of serious injury, or threatens such an act under circumstances raising a reasonable expectation the threat will be carried out, without the specific intent element of subsection (1).; §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 intimidation with a dangerous weapon classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intimidation with a dangerous weapon — general | Class “C” Felony | The person shoots, throws, launches, or discharges a dangerous weapon at, into, or in an occupied structure/vehicle or within an assembly of people, placing occupants or people in reasonable apprehension of serious injury, or threatens such an act under circumstances raising a reasonable expectation the threat will be carried out, without the specific intent element of subsection (1). | Iowa Code § 708.6(1) |
Common questions about intimidation with a dangerous weapon in Iowa
Is intimidation with a dangerous weapon a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon is a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.6.
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon — general: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.6(1))
What are the penalties for intimidation with a dangerous weapon in Iowa?
Penalties for intimidation with a dangerous weapon in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Class “C” Felony up to a Class “C” Felony — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 902.9; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers intimidation with a dangerous weapon?
Intimidation with a dangerous weapon is governed by Iowa Code § 708.6 (Intimidation with a dangerous weapon).
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.