Iowa criminal charge
Trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa
Trafficking in stolen weapons is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 724.16A. 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 § 724.16A.
What is the penalty for trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Trafficking in stolen weapons — first offense — Applies when the offense is a first offense of knowingly transferring, acquiring, or facilitating transfer of a stolen firearm.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Trafficking in stolen weapons — first offense — Applies when the offense is a first offense of knowingly transferring, acquiring, or facilitating transfer of a stolen firearm.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Trafficking in stolen weapons — second/subsequent offense or use in a public offense — Applies for second and subsequent offenses, or when the stolen firearm is used in the commission of a public 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 (Trafficking in stolen weapons — second/subsequent offense or use in a public offense — Applies for second and subsequent offenses, or when the stolen firearm is used in the commission of a public offense.; §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 trafficking in stolen weapons classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trafficking in stolen weapons — first offense | Class “D” Felony | Applies when the offense is a first offense of knowingly transferring, acquiring, or facilitating transfer of a stolen firearm. | Iowa Code § 724.16A(1)(a) |
| Trafficking in stolen weapons — second/subsequent offense or use in a public offense | Class “C” Felony | Applies for second and subsequent offenses, or when the stolen firearm is used in the commission of a public offense. | Iowa Code § 724.16A(1)(b) |
Common questions about trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa
Is trafficking in stolen weapons a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: trafficking in stolen weapons ranges from a Class “D” Felony to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 724.16A.
Trafficking in stolen weapons — first offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 724.16A(1)(a)) · Trafficking in stolen weapons — second/subsequent offense or use in a public offense: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 724.16A(1)(b))
What are the penalties for trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa?
Penalties for trafficking in stolen weapons in Iowa depend on how it is classified — from a Class “D” Felony up to a Class “C” Felony — with the ranges set by Iowa Code § 902.9; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Iowa statute covers trafficking in stolen weapons?
Trafficking in stolen weapons is governed by Iowa Code § 724.16A (Trafficking in stolen weapons).
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.