Iowa criminal charge
Tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties in Iowa
Tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 720.4. 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 § 720.4.
What is the penalty for tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party — Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, but in no case lower than an aggravated misdemeanor, and not to exceed a class "C" felony; this sets the minimum classification applicable when the underlying offense's elevated classification would otherwise be lower.; a sentence of more than one year is an indeterminate term (§903.1(2))) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 903.1 |
| Fine | $855 to $8,540 (Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party — Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, but in no case lower than an aggravated misdemeanor, and not to exceed a class "C" felony; this sets the minimum classification applicable when the underlying offense's elevated classification would otherwise be lower.; 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 10 years (Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party - maximum severity cap — Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, capped at a class "C" felony as the maximum classification regardless of how high the underlying offense's elevated classification would be.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party - maximum severity cap — Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, capped at a class "C" felony as the maximum classification regardless of how high the underlying offense's elevated classification would be.; §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 tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, but in no case lower than an aggravated misdemeanor, and not to exceed a class "C" felony; this sets the minimum classification applicable when the underlying offense's elevated classification would otherwise be lower. | Iowa Code § 720.4(3) |
| Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party - maximum severity cap | Class “C” Felony | Tampering under subsection 2 is classified and punished as an offense one degree higher than the underlying offense, capped at a class "C" felony as the maximum classification regardless of how high the underlying offense's elevated classification would be. | Iowa Code § 720.4(3) |
Common questions about tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties in Iowa
Is tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 720.4.
Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 720.4(3)) · Tampering with a witness, juror, or reporting party - maximum severity cap: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 720.4(3))
What are the penalties for tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties?
Tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties is governed by Iowa Code § 720.4 (Tampering with witnesses, jurors, or reporting parties).
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.