Iowa criminal charge
Pandering in Iowa
Pandering is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 725.3. 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 § 725.3.
What is the penalty for pandering in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Pandering involving an adult — A person causes another who is not a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving a non-minor.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Pandering involving an adult — A person causes another who is not a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving a non-minor.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Pandering involving a minor — A person causes a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving minors.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Pandering involving a minor — A person causes a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving minors.; §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 pandering classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandering involving an adult | Class “D” Felony | A person causes another who is not a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving a non-minor. | Iowa Code § 725.3(1) |
| Pandering involving a minor | Class “C” Felony | A person causes a minor to become or return to prostitution, or maintains or profits from premises used for prostitution involving minors. | Iowa Code § 725.3(2) |
Common questions about pandering in Iowa
Is pandering a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
What are the penalties for pandering in Iowa?
Penalties for pandering 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 pandering?
Pandering is governed by Iowa Code § 725.3 (Pandering).
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.