In this article our Iowa attorneys will give an overview of the penalties for felonies and misdemeanors in Iowa. Generally, felonies are more serious crimes, with larger penalties, and misdemeanors are less serious crimes. These crimes have general requirements; however, other parts of the Iowa Code provide a stricter or more lenient sentence. In general, the levels of crime in Iowa, and the penalties, are as follows. For a more detailed overview of Iowa criminal law check out our article Iowa Criminal Law FAQ.
What are Class A felonies in Iowa? .
In Iowa, Class “A” felonies are the most serious crimes. Class “A” felonies carry a penalty of life in prison. Iowa does not have the death penalty. A person convicted of a class “A” felony cannot be released on parole (meaning, released from prison earlier with certain conditions they have to follow or be sent back), unless the governor decides to commute the sentence. A sentence commutation will allow the governor to shorten the amount of time someone serves in prison. A defendant can ask the governor for a commutation once every 10 years.
If a defendant is under the age of 18, there are multiple sentences they could receive. They could receive a sentence of:
- Imprisonment for the rest of their life with no possibility of parole unless the governor commutes the sentence (if the crime was murder);
- Imprisonment for the rest of the defendant’s life with the possibility of parole after serving a certain amount of time;
- Imprisonment for the rest of the defendant’s life, with the possibility of parole.
The court, when a person under 18 is involved, will consider several factors upon sentencing, including the impact of the offense on the community, the nature of the offense, the defendant’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility, and the possibility of rehabilitation.
What are Class B Felonies in Iowa?
A person convicted of a class “B” felony can be confined no more than 25 years.
What are Class C Felonies in Iowa?
A class “C” felon can be confined no more than 10 years, and will receive a fine of $1,370-$13,660. There are also additional costs called surcharges, not included in the initial fines. There is a crime services surcharge equal to 15% of the fine already imposed. There are additional surcharges for crimes involving human trafficking, domestic abuse assault, domestic abuse protective order contempt, sexual abuse, staking, and agricultural theft.
What are Class D Felonies in Iowa?
A class “D” felon can be confined for no more than 5 years, and will receive a fine of $1,025-$10,245. The same surcharges apply as the class “C” felonies.
What is the Punishment for Aggravated Misdemeanors?
Aggravated misdemeanors in Iowa have a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment. There is also a fine of $855-$8,540. There are additional surcharges as described under class “C” felony.
What is the Punishment for Serious Misdemeanors?
Serious misdemeanors in Iowa have a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 1 year. There is also a fine of $430-$2,560. There are additional surcharges as described under class “C” felony.
What is the Punishment for Simple Misdemeanors?
Simple misdemeanors have a maximum penalty of 30 days imprisonment, and a fine of $105-$855. There are additional surcharges as described under class “C” felony.
What are other kinds of Punishments in Iowa?
A person convicted of delivering or planning to deliver amphetamine or methamphetamine to a minor can be sentenced, on first conviction, up to 99 years imprisonment. A second offense is a class “A” felony.
A habitual offender is a person convicted of a class “C” or “D” felony who has been convicted of a felony before. Habitual offenders can be sentenced a maximum of 15 years.
If a person is guilty of one or more forcible felonies, they will not be eligible to be out of imprisonment on work release until one-half of the maximum sentence is complete. This does not apply if more than five years had passed since the last forcible felony at the time of the conviction. This rule also does not apply if the sentence is for a conviction for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drug.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experienced Iowa criminal defense attorneys at (630) 324-6666 or by filling out our confidential contact form.
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