Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 701.11 — Evidence of similar offenses — sexual abuse
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 701: General Criminal Law Provisions, Iowa Code.
Full text of Iowa Code § 701.11
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. In a criminal prosecution in which a defendant has been charged with sexual abuse, evidence of the defendant’s commission of another sexual abuse is admissible and may be considered for its bearing on any matter for which the evidence is relevant. This evidence, though relevant, may be excluded if the probative value of the evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. This evidence is not admissible unless the state presents clear proof of the commission of the prior act of sexual abuse.
2. If the prosecution intends to offer evidence pursuant to this section, the prosecution shall disclose such evidence to the defendant, including statements of witnesses or a summary of the substance of any testimony that is expected to be offered, ten days prior to the scheduled date of trial. The court may for good cause shown permit disclosure less than ten days prior to the scheduled date of trial.
3. For purposes of this section, “sexual abuse” means any commission of or conviction for a crime defined in chapter 709. “Sexual abuse” also means any commission of or conviction for a crime in another jurisdiction under a statute that is substantially similar to any crime defined in chapter 709.
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This reference is informational and is not legal advice.