Iowa has set maximum sentences for felonies committed in the state. The maximum sentence for a felony, class ‘A’ in Iowa, is life. Class A punishment also requires no possibility of parole. The governor may only commute this sentence.
Maximum sentences for felonies in Iowa
Someone facing a felony charge in Iowa may wonder what the potential sentence is. While the sentence a felon ultimately receives depends upon several factors, including the severity of their crime and criminal history, there are maximum sentences for each felony charge in Iowa.
In West Des Moines, Iowa, the maximum sentence for a first conviction is imprisonment for no more than 99 years if the violation is related to methamphetamine or amphetamine in specific ways, according to §902.9. Max sentences for different classes of felonies are as follows:
- Class B felony, not a habitual offender, receives no more than 25 years.
- Class C felony, not a habitual offender, receives no more than ten years. It also includes a fine of $1370 to a maximum of $13660.
- Class D felony, not a habitual offender, no more than five years with a fine of $1025 to a maximum of $10245.
Habitual offender, enhanced penalties for weapons-free zones, and surcharges on penalty may also apply.
Types of felonies in Iowa
Class A felonies are the most serious crimes and carry a maximum life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. Class B felonies are less extreme than Class A felonies but still maintain a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Some examples of Class A felony charges in Iowa include first-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault with injury, among others. Class B felonies include second-degree murder, second-degree sexual assault, and homicide by vehicle while intoxicated.
Additions to a sentence
The maximum sentence for someone convicted of a felony is according to §902.9. Depending on the type of offense, additional penalties can be imposed on top of the maximums.
