Iowa criminal charge
Willful injury in Iowa
Willful injury is a criminal offense under Iowa law, defined by Iowa Code § 708.4. 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 § 708.4.
What is the penalty for willful injury in Iowa?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 10 years (Willful injury causing serious injury — Applies if the person causes serious injury to another.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,370 to $13,660 (Willful injury causing serious injury — Applies if the person causes serious injury to another.; §911 surcharges added on top) | mandatory | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Willful injury causing bodily injury — Applies if the person causes bodily injury to another.; indeterminate term (§902.3); maximum only, release determined by the board of parole) | discretionary | Iowa Code § 902.9 |
| Fine | $1,025 to $10,245 (Willful injury causing bodily injury — Applies if the person causes bodily injury to another.; §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 willful injury classified in Iowa?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willful injury causing serious injury | Class “C” Felony | Applies if the person causes serious injury to another. | Iowa Code § 708.4(1) |
| Willful injury causing bodily injury | Class “D” Felony | Applies if the person causes bodily injury to another. | Iowa Code § 708.4(2) |
Common questions about willful injury in Iowa
Is willful injury a felony or a misdemeanor in Iowa?
It depends on the circumstances: willful injury ranges from a Class “D” Felony to a Class “C” Felony in Iowa under Iowa Code § 708.4.
Willful injury causing serious injury: Class “C” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.4(1)) · Willful injury causing bodily injury: Class “D” Felony (Iowa Code § 708.4(2))
What are the penalties for willful injury in Iowa?
Penalties for willful injury 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 willful injury?
Willful injury is governed by Iowa Code § 708.4 (Willful injury).
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.