Felonies represent the most serious types of criminal charges lodged against Iowa residents. A variety of offenses can result in a felony indictment. Law enforcement officials group these crimes into categories based on levels of seriousness. A conviction can cost a defendant anywhere from two years to a lifetime in jail.
Felony types
Officials reserve class A felony charges for individuals who exhibit the highest levels of criminal behavior. The maximum jail term for Class A felony convictions is life in prison with no possibility of parole. The only path to freedom for a person convicted of a Class A felony is a pardon or sentence commutation from the governor.
Class B felony charges apply to crimes like first-degree burglary and attempted murder. The maximum penalty for many class B felonies is 25 years of incarceration. However, class B felonies like second-degree murder and repeated child endangerment charges can land a defendant in prison for 50 years.
Class C felony charges are less serious than the charges mentioned above but can still land a defendant in jail for as long as a decade. One example of a class C felony is theft of property valued at $10,000 or more. The maximum fine for a Class C felony is $10,000.
Class D felony charges are the least serious of the felony charges possible in Iowa and can earn a defendant up to five years in jail. Class D felony convictions can also make it necessary for a defendant to pay fines up to $750.
Individuals accused of felony criminal offenses in Iowa will need to defend themselves against these allegations to protect themselves from the worst possible outcomes. A criminal defense attorney may be able to help defendants prepare a proper defense.
