Iowa criminal charge
Lascivious acts with a child in Iowa
Lascivious acts with a child is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 709.8. 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 § 709.8.
What is the penalty for lascivious acts with a child in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Lascivious acts with a child — fondling/touching genitals or pubes, or causing touching — Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraphs (a) through (c), i.e., fondling or touching the child's pubes or genitals, causing the child to fondle the person's genitals or pubes, or causing the touching of the person's genitals to the child's body.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Lascivious acts with a child — fondling/touching genitals or pubes, or causing touching — Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraphs (a) through (c), i.e., fondling or touching the child's pubes or genitals, causing the child to fondle the person's genitals or pubes, or causing the touching of the person's genitals to the child's body.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Lascivious acts with a child — soliciting or inflicting pain — Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraph (d) or (e), i.e., soliciting a child or another person to arrange a sex act with a child, or inflicting or permitting the infliction of pain or discomfort upon a child.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Lascivious acts with a child — soliciting or inflicting pain — Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraph (d) or (e), i.e., soliciting a child or another person to arrange a sex act with a child, or inflicting or permitting the infliction of pain or discomfort upon a child.; §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 lascivious acts with a child classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lascivious acts with a child — fondling/touching genitals or pubes, or causing touching | Class “C” Felony | Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraphs (a) through (c), i.e., fondling or touching the child's pubes or genitals, causing the child to fondle the person's genitals or pubes, or causing the touching of the person's genitals to the child's body. | Iowa Code § 709.8(2)(a) |
| Lascivious acts with a child — soliciting or inflicting pain | Class “D” Felony | Applies when the violation involves an act described in subsection 1, paragraph (d) or (e), i.e., soliciting a child or another person to arrange a sex act with a child, or inflicting or permitting the infliction of pain or discomfort upon a child. | Iowa Code § 709.8(2)(b) |
Common questions about lascivious acts with a child in Iowa
Is lascivious acts with a child a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: lascivious acts with a child ranges from a Class “D” Felony to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 709.8.
Lascivious acts with a child — fondling/touching genitals or pubes, or causing touching: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 709.8(2)(a)) · Lascivious acts with a child — soliciting or inflicting pain: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 709.8(2)(b))
What are the penalties for lascivious acts with a child in Iowa?
Penalties for lascivious acts with a child in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Class “D” 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 lascivious acts with a child?
Lascivious acts with a child is governed by Iowa Code § 709.8 (Lascivious acts with a child).
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.