Iowa criminal charge
Stalking in Iowa
Stalking is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.11. 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 § 708.11.
What is the penalty for stalking in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Stalking — protective order violation, dangerous weapon, minor victim, technological device, or third+ offense — Stalking is committed while subject to a no-contact protective order, while in possession of a dangerous weapon, directed at a victim under eighteen, using a technological device, or as a third or subsequent offense.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Stalking — protective order violation, dangerous weapon, minor victim, technological device, or third+ offense — Stalking is committed while subject to a no-contact protective order, while in possession of a dangerous weapon, directed at a victim under eighteen, using a technological device, or as a third or subsequent offense.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Stalking — second offense (not aggravating factors) — The stalking offense is a second offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a).; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Stalking — second offense (not aggravating factors) — The stalking offense is a second offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a).; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Stalking — first offense — The stalking offense is a first offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a).; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Stalking — first offense — The stalking offense is a first offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a).; 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 stalking classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking — protective order violation, dangerous weapon, minor victim, technological device, or third+ offense | Class “C” Felony | Stalking is committed while subject to a no-contact protective order, while in possession of a dangerous weapon, directed at a victim under eighteen, using a technological device, or as a third or subsequent offense. | Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(a) |
| Stalking — second offense (not aggravating factors) | Class “D” Felony | The stalking offense is a second offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a). | Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(b) |
| Stalking — first offense | Aggravated Misdemeanor | The stalking offense is a first offense that does not include any of the aggravating circumstances listed in paragraph (3)(a). | Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(c) |
Common questions about stalking in Iowa
Is stalking a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: stalking ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.11.
Stalking — protective order violation, dangerous weapon, minor victim, technological device, or third+ offense: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(a)) · Stalking — second offense (not aggravating factors): Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(b)) · Stalking — first offense: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 708.11(3)(c))
What are the penalties for stalking in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers stalking?
Stalking is governed by Iowa Code § 708.11 (Stalking).
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.