Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Iowa

Theft of property exceeding $1,500 (but not exceeding $10,000) in value, or theft of a motor vehicle not exceeding $10,000, is theft in the second degree, a class D felony. Theft exceeding $10,000, or theft from the person of another or from a building destroyed or left unoccupied because of disaster, riot, bombing or battle, is theft in the first degree, a class C felony. Lower tiers: over $750 to $1,500 is third degree (aggravated misdemeanor; also any theft of $750 or less by a person twice before convicted of theft); over $300 to $750 is fourth degree (serious misdemeanor); $300 or less is fifth degree (simple misdemeanor).

Iowa grades felonies as class A, B, C and D. Class A: commitment to the custody of the department of corrections for the rest of the defendant's life, with no parole unless the governor commutes the sentence (different options apply to first-degree murder committed under age eighteen). Unless a statute prescribes otherwise: class B felon, confinement for no more than twenty-five years; class C felon, no more than ten years plus a fine of at least $1,370 but not more than $13,660; class D felon, no more than five years plus a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. An habitual offender may be confined for no more than fifteen years. Surcharges are added on top of these fines.

Iowa has simple, serious and aggravated misdemeanors. Simple misdemeanor: fine of at least $105 but not more than $855, and the court may order up to thirty days in jail instead of or in addition to the fine. Serious misdemeanor: fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560, and the court may also order up to one year. Aggravated misdemeanor (where no specific penalty is provided): up to two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. Surcharges are added on top of these fines.