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Iowa criminal charge

Railroad vandalism in Iowa

Current through 2026 Iowa legislative session

Railroad vandalism is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 716.10. 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 § 716.10.

How is railroad vandalism classified in Iowa?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Railroad vandalism
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Railroad vandalism in the first degreeClass “B” FelonyApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in the death of any person.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(a)
Railroad vandalism in the second degreeClass “B” FelonyApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in serious injury to any person.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(b)
Railroad vandalism in the third degreeClass “C” FelonyApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in bodily injury to any person or property damage costing more than $10,000 to replace, repair, or restore.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(c)
Railroad vandalism in the fourth degreeClass “D” FelonyApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in property damage costing $10,000 or less but more than $1,500 to replace, repair, or restore.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(d)
Railroad vandalism in the fifth degreeAggravated MisdemeanorApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in property damage costing more than $750 but not exceeding $1,500 to replace, repair, or restore.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(e)
Railroad vandalism in the sixth degreeSerious MisdemeanorApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in property damage costing more than $300 but not exceeding $750 to replace, repair, or restore.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(f)
Railroad vandalism in the seventh degreeSimple MisdemeanorApplies when a person intentionally commits railroad vandalism which results in property damage costing $300 or less to replace, repair, or restore.Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(g)

Common questions about railroad vandalism in Iowa

Is railroad vandalism a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?

It depends on the circumstances: railroad vandalism ranges from a Simple Misdemeanor to a Class “B” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 716.10.

Railroad vandalism in the first degree: Class “B” Felony (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(a)) · Railroad vandalism in the second degree: Class “B” Felony (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(b)) · Railroad vandalism in the third degree: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(c)) · Railroad vandalism in the fourth degree: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(d)) · Railroad vandalism in the fifth degree: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(e)) · Railroad vandalism in the sixth degree: Serious Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(f)) · Railroad vandalism in the seventh degree: Simple Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 716.10(2)(g))

Which Iowa statute covers railroad vandalism?

Railroad vandalism is governed by Iowa Code § 716.10 (Railroad vandalism).

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.