Iowa criminal charge
Unauthorized sampling in Iowa
Unauthorized sampling is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 716.14. 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 § 716.14.
What is the penalty for unauthorized sampling in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 2 years (Unauthorized sampling — first offense — A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of 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 (Unauthorized sampling — first offense — A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.; 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 5 years (Unauthorized sampling — repeat offense — A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of a class D felony if the person has a prior conviction for unauthorized sampling under subsection 2.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Unauthorized sampling — repeat offense — A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of a class D felony if the person has a prior conviction for unauthorized sampling under subsection 2.; §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 unauthorized sampling classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized sampling — first offense | Aggravated Misdemeanor | A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. | Iowa Code § 716.14(3) |
| Unauthorized sampling — repeat offense | Class “D” Felony | A person who commits unauthorized sampling as described in subsection 2 is guilty of a class D felony if the person has a prior conviction for unauthorized sampling under subsection 2. | Iowa Code § 716.14(4) |
Common questions about unauthorized sampling in Iowa
Is unauthorized sampling a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: unauthorized sampling ranges from a Aggravated Misdemeanor to a Class “D” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 716.14.
Unauthorized sampling — first offense: Aggravated Misdemeanor (Iowa Code § 716.14(3)) · Unauthorized sampling — repeat offense: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 716.14(4))
What are the penalties for unauthorized sampling in Iowa?
Which Iowa statute covers unauthorized sampling?
Unauthorized sampling is governed by Iowa Code § 716.14 (Unauthorized sampling).
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.