Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 710A.2 — Human trafficking
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 710A: Human Trafficking, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 710A.2
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. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking is guilty of a class “B” felony, except that if the victim is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
2. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by causing or threatening to cause serious physical injury to another person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
3. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by physically restraining or threatening to physically restrain another person is guilty of a class “B” felony, except that if the victim is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
4. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by soliciting services or benefiting from the services of a victim is guilty of a class “B” felony, except that if the victim is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
5. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by abusing or threatening to abuse the law or legal process is guilty of a class “B” felony, except that if the victim is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
6. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported government identification of another person is guilty of a class “B” felony, except if that other person is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
7. A person who benefits financially or by receiving anything of value from knowing participation in human trafficking is guilty of a class “B” felony, except that if the victim is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “A” felony.
8. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by knowingly providing or facilitating the provision of a forged, altered, or fraudulent license purportedly issued pursuant to chapter 152C or 157, or a forged, altered, or fraudulent government identification to another person, to force, coerce, entice, assist, facilitate, or permit the other person to perform labor or services is guilty of a class “D” felony, except if that other person is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “B” felony.
9. A person who knowingly engages in human trafficking by knowingly forcing, coercing, enticing, assisting, facilitating, or permitting another person in possession of a forged, altered, or fraudulent license purportedly issued pursuant to chapter 152C or 157, or a forged, altered, or fraudulent government identification, to produce such license or government identification upon request of a peace officer pursuant to section 152C.5B or 157.4A, is guilty of a class “D” felony, except if that other person is under the age of eighteen, the person is guilty of a class “B” felony.
10. A person’s ignorance of the age of the victim or a belief that the victim was older is not a defense to a violation of this section.
11. A person who is found guilty or who enters a plea of guilty to a violation of this chapter shall be ineligible for a license pursuant to chapter 152C or 157 for a period of not less than five years from the date of conviction, plea, judgment, or sentence.
12. A person who is sentenced under the provisions of this section shall not be eligible for a deferred judgment or a deferred or suspended sentence.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
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