Iowa legal term
Dangerous weapon in Iowa Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Iowa legislative session
In Iowa criminal law, “Dangerous weapon” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Iowa criminal code.
What does “Dangerous weapon” mean in Iowa criminal law?
“Dangerous weapon” means either of the following: (a) An instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and that is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed. (Iowa Code § 723A.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Assault in violation of individual rights
- False reports to or communications with public safety entities
- Penalties for assault
- Possessing contraband
- Stalking
- Attempted burglary in the first degree
- Attempted burglary in the second degree
- Burglary in the first degree
- Burglary in the second degree
- Disarming a peace officer of a dangerous weapon
- Going armed with intent
- Intimidation with a dangerous weapon
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.