Iowa criminal charge
Permitting prisoner to escape in Iowa
Permitting prisoner to escape is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 719.5. 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 § 719.5.
What is the penalty for permitting prisoner to escape in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Permitting escape of prisoner held for class "A" felony — The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of a class “A” felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Permitting escape of prisoner held for class "A" felony — The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of a class “A” felony.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Permitting escape of prisoner held for other public offense — The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of any public offense other than a class “A” felony.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Permitting escape of prisoner held for other public offense — The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of any public offense other than a class “A” felony.; §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 permitting prisoner to escape classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permitting escape of prisoner held for class "A" felony | Class “C” Felony | The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of a class “A” felony. | Iowa Code § 719.5(1) |
| Permitting escape of prisoner held for other public offense | Class “D” Felony | The prisoner permitted to escape is in custody by reason of a conviction or charge of any public offense other than a class “A” felony. | Iowa Code § 719.5(2) |
Common questions about permitting prisoner to escape in Iowa
Is permitting prisoner to escape a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: permitting prisoner to escape ranges from a Class “D” Felony to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 719.5.
Permitting escape of prisoner held for class "A" felony: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 719.5(1)) · Permitting escape of prisoner held for other public offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 719.5(2))
What are the penalties for permitting prisoner to escape in Iowa?
Penalties for permitting prisoner to escape 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 permitting prisoner to escape?
Permitting prisoner to escape is governed by Iowa Code § 719.5 (Permitting prisoner to escape).
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.