Iowa criminal charge
Pimping in Iowa
Pimping is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 725.2. 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 § 725.2.
What is the penalty for pimping in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Pimping — prostitute 18 or older — A person solicits a patron for a prostitute, shares in a prostitute's earnings, or knowingly furnishes a place for prostitution, where the prostitute is not shown to be under eighteen.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Pimping — prostitute 18 or older — A person solicits a patron for a prostitute, shares in a prostitute's earnings, or knowingly furnishes a place for prostitution, where the prostitute is not shown to be under eighteen.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Pimping — prostitute under 18 — A person solicits a patron for, shares in the earnings of, or furnishes a place for prostitution of a prostitute who is under the age of eighteen.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Pimping — prostitute under 18 — A person solicits a patron for, shares in the earnings of, or furnishes a place for prostitution of a prostitute who is under the age of eighteen.; §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 pimping classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pimping — prostitute 18 or older | Class “D” Felony | A person solicits a patron for a prostitute, shares in a prostitute's earnings, or knowingly furnishes a place for prostitution, where the prostitute is not shown to be under eighteen. | Iowa Code § 725.2(1) |
| Pimping — prostitute under 18 | Class “C” Felony | A person solicits a patron for, shares in the earnings of, or furnishes a place for prostitution of a prostitute who is under the age of eighteen. | Iowa Code § 725.2(2) |
Common questions about pimping in Iowa
Is pimping a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
What are the penalties for pimping in Iowa?
Penalties for pimping 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 pimping?
Pimping is governed by Iowa Code § 725.2 (Pimping).
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.