Iowa criminal charge
Solicitation in Iowa
Solicitation is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 705.1. 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 § 705.1.
What is the penalty for solicitation in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Solicitation to commit a felony — A person solicits another person to commit a felony of any class.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Solicitation to commit a felony — A person solicits another person to commit a felony of any class.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Solicitation to commit an aggravated misdemeanor — A person solicits another person to commit an aggravated misdemeanor.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Solicitation to commit an aggravated misdemeanor — A person solicits another person to commit an aggravated misdemeanor.; fine may not be suspended by the court (§903.1(1)); §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 solicitation classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation to commit a felony | Class “D” Felony | A person solicits another person to commit a felony of any class. | Iowa Code § 705.1(2) |
| Solicitation to commit an aggravated misdemeanor | Aggravated Misdemeanor | A person solicits another person to commit an aggravated misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 705.1(3) |
Common questions about solicitation in Iowa
Is solicitation a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: solicitation ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 705.1.
Solicitation to commit a felony: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 705.1(2)) · Solicitation to commit an aggravated misdemeanor: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 705.1(3))
What are the penalties for solicitation in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers solicitation?
Solicitation is governed by Iowa Code § 705.1 (Solicitation).
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.