Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 727.12 — Failure to assist
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 727: Health, Safety, and Welfare, Iowa Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Iowa Code § 727.12
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 reasonably believes another person is suffering from a risk of serious bodily injury or imminent danger of death shall, if the person is able, attempt to contact local law enforcement or local emergency response authorities, if doing so does not place the person or the other person at risk of serious bodily injury or imminent danger of death. A person shall not be required to contact local law enforcement or emergency response authorities if the person knows or reasonably believes that the other person is not in need of help or assistance.
2. A person who violates this section without lawful cause commits the following:
a. A simple misdemeanor if the failure to assist results in the other person suffering serious bodily injury.
b. An aggravated misdemeanor if the failure to assist results in the death of the other person.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.