Iowa criminal charge
Intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense in Iowa
Intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 715E.3. 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 § 715E.3.
What is the penalty for intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — first offense — A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a simple misdemeanor absent a qualifying prior conviction.; 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 (Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — first offense — A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a simple misdemeanor absent a qualifying prior conviction.; 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 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — repeat offense — A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a serious misdemeanor if previously convicted of intrusion under this section or surveillance by remotely piloted aircraft under section 715E.4.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — repeat offense — A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a serious misdemeanor if previously convicted of intrusion under this section or surveillance by remotely piloted aircraft under section 715E.4.; 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 intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — first offense | Simple Misdemeanor | A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a simple misdemeanor absent a qualifying prior conviction. | Iowa Code § 715E.3(2)(a) |
| Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — repeat offense | Serious Misdemeanor | A person who commits intrusion by the use of a remotely piloted aircraft is guilty of a serious misdemeanor if previously convicted of intrusion under this section or surveillance by remotely piloted aircraft under section 715E.4. | Iowa Code § 715E.3(2)(b) |
Common questions about intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense in Iowa
Is intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Serious Misdemeanor in Iowa under Iowa Code § 715E.3.
Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — first offense: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 715E.3(2)(a)) · Intrusion by remotely piloted aircraft — repeat offense: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 715E.3(2)(b))
What are the penalties for intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense in Iowa?
Penalties for intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Simple Misdemeanor up to a Serious 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 intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense?
Intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense is governed by Iowa Code § 715E.3 (Intrusion by use of remotely piloted aircraft offense).
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.