Iowa Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Iowa. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Iowa attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Iowa Quick Facts
- State Capital: Des Moines
- Region: Midwest
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Illegal
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,500+
- Murder SOL: None
Iowa DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 1 year jail, $1,250 fine, 180-day revocation |
| Second Offense DUI | 7 days–2 years, $1,875 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Iowa uses ignition interlock for repeat offenders
Iowa Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Medical Program | Limited CBD only |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Serious misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000 fine |
| Large Amount Penalty | Felony for repeat or larger amounts |
Iowa only allows limited medical CBD program
Iowa Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,500 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,500+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 1 year |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 10 years (Class C felony) |
Iowa theft graded by property value
Iowa Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 3 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Theft | 3 years |
| DUI / DWI | 3 years |
| Assault | 3 years |
Iowa uses a 3-year SOL for most offenses