WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
40 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Iowa sorts offenses into classes: simple, serious and aggravated misdemeanors, and class D, C, B and A felonies. Where an offense names no specific penalty, Iowa Code § 903.1 sets the misdemeanor ranges and § 902.9 the felony terms and fines, so each level here names the class.
40 charges
Operating while intoxicated
SERIOUS MISD to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as OWI, drunk driving, DUI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or another drug, with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, or with any amount of a controlled substance in the blood or urine.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$1,250 fine | WhenA first offense, with at least 48 hours in jail |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$1,875 to $6,250 fine | WhenA second offense, with at least seven days |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$3,125 to $9,375 fine | WhenA third or later offense, with at least 30 days |
A refusal or a test over the limit also brings a license revocation, contested in its own hearing.
Driving while license denied, suspended or revoked
SIMPLE MISD to SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as driving on a suspended license, DWS
Driving a motor vehicle while the person's license is denied, canceled, suspended or revoked.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$250 to $1,500 fine | WhenDriving while suspended or revoked |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$1,000 fine | WhenWhen the suspension or revocation was for an OWI chapter violation |
The court may not suspend the sentence, and the suspension or revocation is extended.
Reckless driving
SIMPLE MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as
Driving a motor vehicle in a way that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenReckless driving |
Eluding or attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle
SERIOUS MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as fleeing police, failure to stop for police
Willfully failing to stop, or trying to elude, a marked or unmarked law enforcement vehicle after a visual and audible signal.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenA first eluding |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenAfter a prior eluding violation |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenWhile exceeding the speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenExceeding the limit by 25 miles per hour or more, after a prior violation |
Leaving the scene of a crash
SCHEDULED to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as hit and run, failure to stop after an accident
As a driver in a crash, failing to stop and remain, give a name, address and registration number, and give reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA crash damaging only an attended vehicle |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenA crash with injury |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenA crash with serious injury |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenWhen the driver's vehicle caused the serious injury |
Passing a stopped school bus
SIMPLE MISD to SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as school bus violation, stop arm violation
Passing a school bus while its red or amber warning lights are flashing, or failing to stop with the stop arm out.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$345 to $930 fine | WhenA first offense |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenA second or later offense |
Open container
SIMPLE MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as
Having an open or unsealed container of an alcoholic beverage, or of a beverage containing THC, in the passenger area of a vehicle on the highway.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenA driver or a passenger |
Use of an electronic device while driving
SCHEDULED · up to a fine from the schedule
Also searched as texting while driving, handheld phone ticket
Holding, viewing or manipulating an electronic device while driving, unless the vehicle is stopped off the traveled roadway or the device is in hands free mode.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA violation |
Failing to move over or slow down
SCHEDULED · up to a fine from the schedule
Also searched as move over law
Approaching a stationary emergency, tow, utility, maintenance or garbage vehicle with flashing lights without moving to a lane away from it, or slowing when that cannot be done safely.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA violation |
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine plus $500 fine | WhenCausing a crash with bodily injury |
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine plus $1,000 fine | WhenCausing a death |
Unlawful use of a license or identification card
SCHEDULED · up to a fine from the schedule
Also searched as fake ID, using someone else's ID
Displaying or possessing a canceled, fictitious or altered license, lending one's own, or showing as one's own a license not issued to the person.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenEach listed act |
Operating a vehicle without the owner's consent
AGG MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as joyriding, unauthorized use of a vehicle
Taking possession or control of another's self propelled vehicle, aircraft or motor boat without the owner's consent, but without intending to permanently deprive the owner.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenTaking it without consent |
Use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime
AGG MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as going armed, armed crime
Going armed with a dangerous weapon on or about the person and using it in the commission of a crime.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenUsing the weapon in a crime |
Carrying dangerous weapons while ineligible
SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as prohibited person carrying
Carrying a dangerous weapon while ineligible for a permit on a listed ground, while illegally possessing a listed controlled substance, or while committing an indictable offense.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenCarrying while ineligible |
Carrying dangerous weapons while under the influence
SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as carrying while drunk
Carrying a dangerous weapon on or about the person, or within immediate reach in a vehicle, while intoxicated as the OWI section defines it.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenOutside the person's own dwelling, business or land |
Possession of a firearm on school grounds
CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as gun at school
Going armed with, carrying or transporting a firearm of any kind, concealed or not, on the grounds of a public or nonpublic school, outside the listed exceptions.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA firearm on school grounds |
Possession of a firearm by a felon
CLASS D to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as felon with a gun
Knowingly possessing, receiving or transporting a firearm or offensive weapon after a felony conviction, or a delinquency adjudication for conduct that would be one.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA first offense, with a mandatory minimum of two years |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA second offense, with a mandatory minimum of four years |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenA third offense, with a mandatory minimum of seven years |
Making a firearm available to a minor
SERIOUS MISD to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as
Selling, loaning, giving or making available a rifle or shotgun to a minor, or a pistol or revolver to a person below eighteen, outside the parent and supervision exceptions.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenA first offense |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA second or later offense |
Reckless use of a firearm
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as reckless discharge
Intentionally discharging a firearm in a reckless manner.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenNo injury to a person or damage to property |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenProperty damage without injury |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA bodily injury that is not serious |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenA serious injury |
Assault
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as simple assault
An act meant to cause pain, injury or offensive contact, or to put another in fear of it, with the apparent ability to carry it out; or intentionally pointing a firearm toward another.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenAny other assault |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenCausing bodily injury or mental illness |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenWith intent to inflict serious injury, or using or displaying a dangerous weapon |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenCausing serious injury without intending it |
Domestic abuse assault
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as domestic violence, domestic assault
An assault between people in a domestic relationship.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenA first offense |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenA first offense causing bodily injury or mental illness |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenWith intent to seriously injure, a dangerous weapon, or impeding breathing by pressure on the throat or neck |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA third or later offense, or impeding breathing that causes bodily injury |
Willful injury
CLASS D to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as
An act not justified that is intended to cause serious injury to another.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenCausing bodily injury |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenCausing serious injury |
Harassment
SIMPLE MISD to AGG MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as
Acting with intent to intimidate, annoy or alarm another, by communicating without legitimate purpose in a way likely to cause annoyance or harm, or by another listed act.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenHarassment in the third degree |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenSecond degree: a threat of bodily injury, or two prior convictions in ten years |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenFirst degree: a threat to commit a forcible felony |
Stalking
AGG MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as
Purposefully engaging in a course of conduct aimed at a specific person that would make a reasonable person feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or threatened.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenA first offense |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenA second offense |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenWith a listed circumstance, such as violating a protective order |
Robbery
CLASS C to CLASS B · up to 25 years
Also searched as armed robbery
Assaulting, threatening or frightening someone with serious injury, or threatening an immediate forcible felony, to commit a theft or escape from one.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenSecond degree, any robbery not in the first degree |
| CLASS BClass B felony | Up to 25 yearsNone set by the section fine | WhenFirst degree: purposely inflicting or trying to inflict serious injury, or armed with a dangerous weapon |
Interference with official acts
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as resisting arrest, obstruction
Knowingly resisting or obstructing a known peace officer, jailer, emergency medical provider or firefighter in a lawful duty, or the service of court process.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 daysAt least $250 fine | WhenInterference |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenResulting in bodily injury |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenResulting in serious injury, or the person inflicts bodily injury |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenInflicting or trying to inflict serious injury, displaying a dangerous weapon, or armed with a firearm |
Tampering with a witness or juror
AGG MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as witness intimidation
Tampering with a witness, juror or reporting party, punished one degree higher than the underlying offense.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenThe lowest it can be, for an underlying offense below an aggravated misdemeanor |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenFor an underlying aggravated misdemeanor |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenThe highest it can be |
Theft
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as shoplifting, stealing
Taking another's property intending to deprive the owner of it, or misusing property held in trust, among the other acts the section lists.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenFifth degree, $300 or less |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenFourth degree, over $300 to $750 |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenThird degree, over $750 to $1,500, or any theft after two prior convictions |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenSecond degree, over $1,500 to $10,000, or a motor vehicle |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenFirst degree, over $10,000, or from the person of another |
Criminal mischief
SIMPLE MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as vandalism, property damage
Intentionally damaging, defacing, altering or destroying property without a right to do so.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenFifth degree, $300 or less |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenFourth degree, over $300 to $750 |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenThird degree, over $750 to $1,500 |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenSecond degree, over $1,500 to $10,000 |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenFirst degree, the most serious cases |
Trespass
SCHEDULED to SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as
Entering property without permission intending a public offense or to damage or harass, or remaining after being told to leave by the owner, an agent or a peace officer.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA knowing trespass |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenCausing injury, or more than $300 in damage |
Identity theft
AGG MISD to CLASS C · up to 10 years
Also searched as
Fraudulently using, or trying to use, another person's identification information to obtain credit, property, services or another benefit.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | When$1,500 or less |
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenOver $1,500 to $10,000 |
| CLASS CClass C felony | Up to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660 fine | WhenOver $10,000 |
Invasion of privacy, nudity
AGG MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as voyeurism, hidden camera
Knowingly viewing, photographing or filming a person who is nude, without consent and with a reasonable expectation of privacy, for sexual gratification.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenInvasion of privacy |
Electronic and mechanical eavesdropping
SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as secret recording, wiretapping
With no right or authority, tapping a line, or by electronic or mechanical means listening to, recording or intercepting a conversation.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenEavesdropping |
Interception of communications
CLASS D · up to 5 years
Also searched as wiretap
Willfully intercepting a wire, oral or electronic communication, or disclosing or using its contents knowing they came from an unlawful interception.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS DClass D felony | Up to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245 fine | WhenAn interception, disclosure or use |
Possession of a controlled substance
6 MONTH MISD to AGG MISD · up to 2 years
Also searched as drug possession, possession of marijuana
Knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription or other authorization.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| 6 MONTH MISDSerious misdemeanor with its own six month limit | Up to 6 monthsUp to $1,000 fine | WhenMarijuana, a first offense |
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 year$430 to $2,560 fine | WhenAnother controlled substance, a first offense |
| AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanor | Up to 2 years$855 to $8,540 fine | WhenAfter a prior drug conviction |
Drug paraphernalia
SIMPLE MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as paraphernalia, pipe charge
Knowingly or intentionally making, delivering, selling or possessing equipment used with a controlled substance to take, make, test or enhance it.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenA violation |
Supplying alcohol to a person under legal age
SERIOUS MISD · up to 1 year
Also searched as furnishing alcohol to a minor
Selling, giving or otherwise supplying an alcoholic beverage to a person known or reasonably believed to be under legal age.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanor | Up to 1 yearAt least $500 fine | WhenSupplying alcohol |
Underage possession or consumption of alcohol
SCHEDULED · up to a fine from the schedule
Also searched as minor in possession, underage drinking
A person under legal age buying, trying to buy, drinking or possessing alcohol, outside a private home with a parent's knowledge, presence and consent.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA first offense |
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the schedule$500 fine | WhenA second offense |
Permitting underage drinking on property
SCHEDULED · up to a fine from the schedule
Also searched as social host
As an owner or person in control of property that is not licensed, knowingly letting someone known or reasonably believed to be under eighteen drink or possess alcohol there.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the scheduleThe scheduled fine fine | WhenA first offense |
| SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violation | A fine from the schedule$500 fine | WhenA second or later offense |
Disorderly conduct
SIMPLE MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as disturbing the peace
Fighting in public, loud noise near a residence that intentionally or recklessly causes unreasonable distress, abusive epithets likely to provoke violence, or disturbing a lawful meeting.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenEach listed act |
Fireworks violations
SIMPLE MISD · up to 30 days
Also searched as illegal fireworks
Using consumer fireworks outside the dates, hours or property the section allows, against a local ordinance, or buying them while under eighteen.
| Class | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 days$105 to $855 fine | WhenOutside the dates, hours or property limits, with no jail ordered |
| SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanor | Up to 30 daysAt least $250 fine | WhenAgainst a city or county ordinance, or bought by someone under eighteen |
Every class on this page, for reference
The ranges are the defaults in §§ 903.1 and 902.9, used where an offense names no penalty of its own. Many driving and alcohol offenses are simple misdemeanors punished as scheduled violations, a fine from the schedule, and they have their own rung.
- SCHEDULEDSimple misdemeanor, punished as a scheduled violationA fine from the schedule
- SIMPLE MISDSimple misdemeanorUp to 30 days$105 to $855
- 6 MONTH MISDSerious misdemeanor with its own six month limitUp to 6 months
- SERIOUS MISDSerious misdemeanorUp to 1 year$430 to $2,560
- AGG MISDAggravated misdemeanorUp to 2 years$855 to $8,540
- CLASS DClass D felonyUp to 5 years$1,025 to $10,245
- CLASS CClass C felonyUp to 10 years$1,370 to $13,660
- CLASS BClass B felonyUp to 25 years
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
15 words
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- AssaultAn act meant to cause pain, injury or offensive contact, or to put someone in fear of it, with the apparent ability to carry it out; or intentionally pointing a firearm at someone or displaying a dangerous weapon threateningly.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- Course of conductIn stalking, repeatedly staying near a person without legitimate purpose, repeatedly using a device to locate, listen to or watch the person, or repeatedly conveying threats.
- Criminal mischiefIntentionally damaging, defacing, altering or destroying property without a right to do so.
- Dangerous weaponAny firearm, a knife with a blade over five inches, a stun device, and anything used in a way showing intent to kill or seriously injure.
- Domestic abuse assaultAn assault between people in a domestic relationship, a simple misdemeanor for a first offense, rising with bodily injury, a weapon, intent to seriously injure, or pressure on the throat or neck.
- Drug paraphernaliaEquipment, products or materials used or attempted to be used with a controlled substance, outside its lawful use, knowingly and primarily to make it, take it, test it or enhance its effect.
- EavesdroppingListening to, recording or intercepting a conversation by electronic or mechanical means, with no right or authority to do so, a serious misdemeanor.
- ExpungementThe court's removal of a misdemeanor conviction from public view on application, once more than eight years have passed and the listed conditions are met.
- Going armedCarrying a dangerous weapon on or about the person, which is an aggravated misdemeanor when the weapon is used in the commission of a crime.
- Interference with official actsKnowingly resisting or obstructing a known peace officer, jailer, emergency medical provider or firefighter in a lawful duty, a simple misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $250.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Simple misdemeanorThe lowest level of public offense, carrying a fine of $105 to $855, with up to 30 days in jail in place of or beside the fine.
- Willful injuryAn unjustified act meant to cause serious injury, a class D felony when it causes bodily injury and a class C felony when it causes serious injury.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Iowa attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.