Iowa criminal charge
Involuntary manslaughter in Iowa
Involuntary manslaughter is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 707.5. 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 § 707.5.
What is the penalty for involuntary manslaughter in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Involuntary manslaughter - public offense — Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of a public offense other than a forcible felony or escape.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Involuntary manslaughter - public offense — Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of a public offense other than a forcible felony or escape.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Involuntary manslaughter - act likely to cause death or serious injury — Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of an act in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Involuntary manslaughter - act likely to cause death or serious injury — Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of an act in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury.; 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 involuntary manslaughter classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Involuntary manslaughter - public offense | Class “D” Felony | Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of a public offense other than a forcible felony or escape. | Iowa Code § 707.5(1)(a) |
| Involuntary manslaughter - act likely to cause death or serious injury | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Applies when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person by the commission of an act in a manner likely to cause death or serious injury. | Iowa Code § 707.5(1)(b) |
Common questions about involuntary manslaughter in Iowa
Is involuntary manslaughter a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: involuntary manslaughter ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 707.5.
Involuntary manslaughter - public offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 707.5(1)(a)) · Involuntary manslaughter - act likely to cause death or serious injury: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 707.5(1)(b))
What are the penalties for involuntary manslaughter in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers involuntary manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter is governed by Iowa Code § 707.5 (Involuntary manslaughter).
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.