Iowa criminal charge
Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors in Iowa
Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 724.4E. 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 § 724.4E.
What is the penalty for possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Minor going armed with concealed dangerous weapon — A minor goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Minor going armed with concealed dangerous weapon — A minor goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 1 years (Minor carrying, transporting, or possessing a loaded firearm within city limits or carrying/transporting a pistol or revolver in a vehicle — A minor carries, transports, or possesses a loaded firearm within the limits of a city or knowingly carries or transports a pistol or revolver in a vehicle.; the court may order imprisonment in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(b))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $430 to $2,560 (Minor carrying, transporting, or possessing a loaded firearm within city limits or carrying/transporting a pistol or revolver in a vehicle — A minor carries, transports, or possesses a loaded firearm within the limits of a city or knowingly carries or transports a pistol or revolver in a vehicle.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Jail / prison | up to 30 days (Minor going armed with an electric immobilizing weapon — A minor goes armed, whether concealed or not, with a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current designed to immobilize a person.; may be ordered in lieu of or in addition to the fine (§903.1(1)(a))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $105 to $855 (Minor going armed with an electric immobilizing weapon — A minor goes armed, whether concealed or not, with a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current designed to immobilize a person.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); jail may be ordered in lieu of the fine; §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 possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor going armed with concealed dangerous weapon | Serious Misdemeanor | A minor goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person. | Iowa Code § 724.4E(1) |
| Minor carrying, transporting, or possessing a loaded firearm within city limits or carrying/transporting a pistol or revolver in a vehicle | Serious Misdemeanor | A minor carries, transports, or possesses a loaded firearm within the limits of a city or knowingly carries or transports a pistol or revolver in a vehicle. | Iowa Code § 724.4E(2) |
| Minor going armed with an electric immobilizing weapon | Simple Misdemeanor | A minor goes armed, whether concealed or not, with a dangerous weapon that directs an electric current designed to immobilize a person. | Iowa Code § 724.4E(3) |
Common questions about possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors in Iowa
Is possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Serious Misdemeanor in Iowa under Iowa Code § 724.4E.
Minor going armed with concealed dangerous weapon: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 724.4E(1)) · Minor carrying, transporting, or possessing a loaded firearm within city limits or carrying/transporting a pistol or revolver in a vehicle: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 724.4E(2)) · Minor going armed with an electric immobilizing weapon: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 724.4E(3))
What are the penalties for possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors in Iowa?
Penalties for possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Simple Misdemeanor up to a Serious Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 903.1; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors?
Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors is governed by Iowa Code § 724.4E (Possession of dangerous weapons and loaded firearms by minors).
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.