What Is a Misdemeanor?
Iowa criminal law provides tiered-level penalties for offenses, which is common in many states. Crimes are classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor based on their severity. A misdemeanor is the charge for less-severe crimes, such as trespassing or a first offense for drunk driving.
The consequences for misdemeanors are also less severe and typically involve fines, probation, community service, or some time spent in jail as opposed to state or federal prison. Misdemeanors are generally handled in local or county courts and include different levels of classification based on the type of crime.
What Is a Felony?
The other classification reserved for more serious crimes is felonies. These crimes carry more long-term consequences than misdemeanors do. These crimes are more serious due to their impact on society and the increased penalties involving prison time, higher fines, and the loss of certain rights. Examples of felony crimes include vehicular manslaughter, murder, and rape.
Key Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
Jail Time and Penalties
One of the most pressing differences between misdemeanors and felonies is the amount of time required in jail or prison. Every misdemeanor and felony can be further broken down into classifications based on the amount of time required to be served.
Types of Misdemeanors and Penalties
- Simple: the least serious misdemeanor that can result in 30 days of jail and a fine ranging from $105-$855.
- Serious: the middle classification for misdemeanors, can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of $430-$2,560.
- Aggravated: the most serious classification of misdemeanors with the strictest penalties, can result in up to two years in prison or one year in jail with a fine of $855-$8,540.
Felony Classifications, Sentences & Fines
Felony penalties are classified with a corresponding letter ranging from A to D, with A being the most severe penalty. The punishments decrease with each subsequent class. The following are typical sentences and fines for each type of felony:
- Class A Felony: life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (the only exception is if the governor reduces the sentence)
- Class B Felony: 25 years in prison
- Class C Felony: 10 years in prison and a potential fine of $1,370-$13,660
- Class D Felony: 5 years in prison and a potential fine of $1,025-$10,245
Long-Term Consequences
Misdemeanor and felony penalties are not only limited to incarceration or fines. They can have a long-term impact on your record, civil rights, and ability to land employment or secure housing.
- For misdemeanors, you may lose the right to possess or purchase a firearm if you’re found guilty of a crime involving domestic violence. If you experience additional charges after conviction, they can be upgraded to felonies at a quicker rate and result in more severe penalties.
- For felonies, you will lose the right to possess or purchase firearms. In Iowa, convicted felons are not allowed to vote while serving their sentence, and you would no longer be able to run for public office in the future. You will also lose eligibility for welfare, federal or state grants, and federally-funded housing.
- For both types of crimes, the charges will appear on your permanent record for the rest of your life and remain visible during a background check, whether for employment or housing purposes. This can create issues if you try to obtain a professional license, secure a job, rent a place to live, or travel to certain countries.
Types of Crimes in Each Category
Common examples of misdemeanors in Iowa include the following:
- Simple: assault without bodily harm, disorderly conduct, first offense of domestic abuse assault not resulting in injury, trespassing, petty theft of low-value property, possession of drug items, harassment, minor in possession of alcohol, and violation of a no-contact order
- Serious: first OWI, assault with bodily harm, first offense of drug possession, second offense of domestic abuse assault, theft of property valued between $300-1,500, and unauthorized use of a credit card up to $1,000
- Aggravated: second OWI, second offense of drug possession, prostitution, fraud, and indecent exposure
Common examples of felonies and their classifications in Iowa include the following:
- Class A: murder in the first degree, subsequent sexual abuse in the second or third degree, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and certain drug offenses involving minors
- Class B: murder in the second degree, attempted murder, robbery in the first degree, sexual abuse in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, homicide by vehicle while intoxicated, possession of drugs with intent to deliver, and possession of certain amounts of marijuana
- Class C: robbery in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, willful injury causing serious injury, sexual abuse in the third degree, theft exceeding $10,000, and other types of assault, assisted suicide, or intimidation with a dangerous weapon
- Class D: third or more OWI, theft of property between $1,500-10,000 or specific high-value items, burglary in the third degree, drug offenses with intent to deliver or distribute marijuana, assault causing serious injury, and other crimes involving pimping, extortion, terrorism, child endangerment, or forgery
Misdemeanors or felonies can also be enhanced to higher classifications, and a misdemeanor can become a felony based on prior convictions. Speaking with a qualified attorney gives you your best chance of understanding the potential consequences of the charges you’re facing before they can change your life.
Why Legal Representation Matters for Any Criminal Charge
At Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm (GRL) Law, we understand how troubling it is to be charged with a crime. We often say that no one can change the past–but we can change your future. Regardless of the severity of your charges, our attorneys know the ins and outs of Iowa law and how to advocate for you. If you go at it alone, even for simple charges, you risk being convicted from a prosecution that also knows the law–and even misdemeanor penalties can impact you for the rest of your life.
It’s crucial that you work with trusted counsel from day one to avoid the most severe consequences. An experienced criminal defense team can help you determine if police have violated your rights and spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. We know exactly what must be proved to convict you–and how to negotiate on your behalf for reduced or dismissed charges.
Our record of defending all types of crimes will assure you that we are capable of reducing your charges in ways you might not otherwise be able to do on your own. We have experience reducing felony charges to simple misdemeanors and understand exactly how simple charges can be enhanced to more severe penalties. You won’t be caught off guard with our no-judgment expertise to guide you.
Speak with an Iowa Criminal Defense Attorney
You don’t have to fight your battles alone–our team is ready to fight for you. We will pursue every option available to your defense to greatly reduce or eliminate the penalties you’re facing. The sooner you have experienced counsel on your side, the better your chances are of achieving a successful outcome–contact us today for a quick-start consultation.
