Felonies in Iowa are organized differently than in any other state. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are organized differently. Felonies are divided into four types. Class A felonies are punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole. Class B felonies are punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Class C felonies are punishable by up to ten years in prison or a fine ranging from $10,000 to $1,000. A Class D Felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison or a fine of $750-$750.
Misdemeanor Classes in Iowa
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Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are assigned titles rather than letters. The number of subsequent offenses determines the misdemeanor classification. A first misdemeanor offense is referred to as a Simple Misdemeanor, a second as a Serious Misdemeanor, and a third as an Aggravated Misdemeanor. After the third offense, the crime is upgraded to a Class D Felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $75,000 fine.
Simple Misdemeanors
Simple misdemeanors are punishable by up to thirty days in a county jail and a fine ranging from sixty-five to six hundred twenty-five dollars.
Serious Misdemeanors
Serious Misdemeanors are classified as misdemeanors in Iowa. Convictions can result in up to a year in county jail and a fine of $315 to $875. This type of charge may also include substance abuse evaluation, drinking driver courses, probation, and, if applicable, restitution. Serious Misdemeanors frequently include charges for driving while intoxicated.
Misdemeanors with Aggravated Consequences
An Aggravated Misdemeanor is punishable by two years in prison or up to a year in jail, as well as a fine ranging from $625 to $6,250. Any conviction or deferred judgment within the previous twelve years, regardless of state, counts as a prior offense in the case of Aggravated Misdemeanors. The number of offenses committed by an individual increases the fines and possible imprisonment.
Some offenses are not classified and carry longer prison sentences. These include serious motor vehicle injuries and vehicular homicide. These crimes carry prison sentences ranging from five to twenty-five years, as well as fines ranging from $750 to $10,000. Many of these crimes also carry restitution of up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Iowa Expungement of Misdemeanors
Prior offenses can be expunged in Iowa in only one circumstance. This is a case of public intoxication. Unlike other states that allow expungement for various types of convictions, Iowa only allows expungement for this case’s individual criminal records.
The accused must wait at least two years before the process can begin in order to have this conviction expunged. This includes no other minor traffic offense convictions during the waiting period. The accused must then petition the court to have the previous conviction expunged. If the accused is found qualified and the court rules in favor of the accused, a judge will issue a ruling by law granting the petition.