Felony in Iowa
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Iowa classifies felonies into five classes (A–D and aggravated misdemeanor) with Class A carrying up to life imprisonment.
How Iowa treats Felony
Iowa Code Chapter 902 defines a felony as any crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Class A felonies in Iowa carry sentences of life imprisonment, while Class B, C, and D felonies carry progressively shorter terms. Iowa also recognizes aggravated misdemeanors as a category between felonies and simple misdemeanors, punishable by up to two years in prison.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.