What Is Considered a Felony in Iowa?

Being accused of committing a felony in Iowa can feel incredibly overwhelming. The legal jargon and proceedings can feel confusing, and you may feel isolated and uninformed. Fortunately, with the help of a Mason City criminal defense attorney, you can get answers to questions like, “What is considered a felony in Iowa?”

McGuire Law, PLC, can represent you through every step of your case. From the moment you are charged with a felony, your criminal defense attorney can work to protect you from common mistakes and confirmation bias. Whether you are innocent or guilty, your lawyer can gather evidence, defend your character, and negotiate plea bargains.

If you did not do what you have been accused of, your lawyer can build an evidence-backed case to defend your innocence. If you are guilty, your lawyer can explain what comes next and look for ways to pursue the greatest available outcomes. You do not need to face these charges alone. After you are arrested by the Mason City Police Department on suspicion of committing a felony, it is useful to gain a better understanding of felonies in Iowa.

What Is Considered a Felony in Iowa?

When you face criminal charges, there is a lot of information coming at you, and it is easy to miss key information. Your Mason City criminal defense attorney knows what is considered a felony in Iowa, so they can determine whether the offense you are charged with actually qualifies as a felony.

Overall, Iowa has a relatively low crime rate. In terms of property crime, the state ranks 44th in the nation, and violent crime is 25% lower than the nation’s overall average. Larceny is the most common crime committed in the state. Iowa also has the second-lowest murder rate and the seventh-lowest rate of burglary in the nation.

In the state, felonies are broken up into four different classes. Your exact charge is impacted by the offense’s severity, whether you have previously been convicted of other felonies, and a host of additional aggravating and/or mitigating factors. Here is a detailed outline of the four felony classes. 

Class A

Class A felonies are the most serious level of felony charges a person can receive. If you are convicted of a Class A felony, you will most likely face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, barring government intervention. Examples of Class A felonies are first-degree murder and sexual abuse that results in serious injuries.

Class B

A Class B felony is the second-most severe category of felony charge. It can result in serving up to 25 years in prison if a defendant is convicted. Second-degree murder, vehicular homicides that involve intoxication, and first-degree burglary are all examples of Class B felonies.

Class C

When you are convicted of a Class C felony, you will most likely serve a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and pay a fine ranging from $1,370 to $13,660, with an additional 15% crime services surcharge. Voluntary manslaughter, reckless use of a firearm that results in serious injuries, and first-degree theft are all examples of Class C felonies.

Class D

This is the lowest class of felony you can be charged with in Iowa. Conviction of a Class D felony can result in a maximum prison sentence of five years as well as a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245. A 15% surcharge may also be applied. Extortion, forgery, and second-degree criminal mischief are all examples of Class D felonies.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Severe Felony Charge One Can Be Charged With in Iowa?

A: Class A felonies are the highest level of felony an individual can be charged with. In Iowa, conviction of a Class A felony means a mandatory life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. The only way you may get out of a life sentence after being convicted of a Class A felony is if the governor commutes your sentence, but this does not happen very often.

Q: What Amount of Stolen Money Is Considered a Felony in Iowa?

A: Theft of property valued at greater than $1,500 but not exceeding $10,000 is theft in the second degree. Theft in the second degree is a Class D felony, which is the lowest level of felony in Iowa. If you are convicted of a Class D felony, you will generally face as much as five years in prison and pay a fine of, at most, $7,500.

Q: What Is the Least Severe Felony Charge One Can Receive in Iowa?

A: Class D felonies are the lowest level of felony charges one can receive in Iowa. If a person is convicted, a Class D felony will most likely result in a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245, along with a 15% surcharge. Habitual offenders (those who have been convicted of committing two or more previous felonies) will face a minimum sentence of three years in prison.   

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in Iowa?

A: The final cost of a criminal defense attorney tends to vary in Iowa. While each case presents unique variables, several consistent aspects contribute to the overall price, such as the duration of your case, how complex it is, and who you hire to represent you. At McGuire Law, PLC, your lawyer can build a case to give you your greatest chance of securing your freedom, which is more than worth the money you may spend.

Get Representation Today

Whether you are innocent or guilty, you have a right to legal representation and a fair trial. These two are often more effectively accomplished when combined. Even though facing felony charges can feel isolating, you do not need to suffer this burden by yourself.

At McGuire Law, PLC, a compassionate and skilled lawyer can take on your case. They can listen to your side of the story, gather evidence, build a strong and compelling defense, and present your case on your behalf in court. Our lawyer can advocate for you and pursue your desired outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.