Drug Charges - Juvenile Law - Vehicular Homicide - Drunk Driving
Iowa’s tiered level penalties for criminal offenses is common among many states. Iowa classifies crimes into felony and misdemeanor offenses and by their severity. More severe crimes, such as vehicular homicide are felony offenses. Less severe crimes, such as a first offense drunk driving charge is a misdemeanor.
While some criminal charges carry mandatory minimum or maximum punishments, generally speaking the offense classifications and corresponding sentencing ranges are listed below for misdemeanors (click here – felony offenses).
Misdemeanor Penalties
Aggravated Misdemeanor
- 2 years imprisonment or up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $625 to $6,500. For offenses alleged to have been committed after July 15, 2020, the fine ranges between $855 and $8,540.
Serious Misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $315 to $1,875. For offenses alleged to have been committed after July 15, 2020, the fine ranges between $430 and $2,560.
Simple Misdemeanor
- 30 days in jail and a fine of $65 to $625. For offenses alleged to have been committed after July 15, 2020, the fine ranges between $105 and $855.
Felony Charges - Drug Charges - Vehicular Homicide - Felony Drunk Driving
The state of Iowa has a tiered level of criminal offenses. The same is true of most other state’s criminal code. In Iowa, criminal penalties are classified into felony offenses and misdemeanor offenses.
Felony offenses are more serious, therefore the penalties are more severe. Misdemeanor offenses are usually far less serious, and their penalties are lighter.
Felony Classifications
Both Felony and Misdemeanor penalties are classified, with a corresponding letter. Class A Felony offenses are the most severe; punishments decrease with subsequent classes.
Felony Sentences & Fines
While certain criminal charges carry other mandatory minimum or maximum punishments, generally speaking, the offense classifications and corresponding sentencing ranges are listed below for felonies, and misdemeanors are listed on Misdemeanor Penalties.
Felony Penalties
Class A Felony
- Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. (The only way to be paroled is if the governor commutes the sentence.
Class B Felony
- 25 years imprisonment.
Class C Felony
- 10 years imprisonment and a potential fine of $1,000 to $10,000. For offenses alleged to have been committed after July 15, 2020, the fine ranges between $1,370 and $13,660.
Class D Felony
- 5 years imprisonment and a potential fine of $750 to $7,500. For offenses alleged to have been committed after July 15, 2020, the fine ranges between $1,025 and $10,245.
