If you have been accused of harassment in Iowa, understanding the offense and possible outcomes of your case is crucial in protecting yourself and preparing for the future. The offense is broad, so it is important to grasp what behaviors are considered harassment. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, continue reading and reach out to an experienced Dallas County criminal lawyer for skilled representation during your case.
What is Considered Harassment in IA?
In Iowa, harassment is defined under Iowa Code Section 708.7. A person commits harassment if they engage in specific behaviors with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. Actions listed in this legislation include:
- Communications via telephone, telegraph, writing, or electronic devices without a legitimate purpose and in a manner likely to cause annoyance or harm
- Placing a simulated explosive or simulated incendiary device in or near a building, vehicle, airplane, railroad engine or railroad car, or boat occupied by another person
- Ordering merchandise or services in the name of another, or to be delivered to another, without the other person’s knowledge or consent
- Reporting or causing to be reported false information to a law enforcement authority implicating another in some criminal activity, knowing that the information is false, or reporting the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the act did not occur
- Disseminating, publishing, distributing, posting, or causing to be disseminated, published, distributed, or posted a visual depiction as defined in section 728.1 showing another person in a state of full or partial nudity or engaged in a sex act, to which the other person has not consented
- Threatening to commit a forcible felony
- Makes personal contact with another person, with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or alarm that other person
Harassment can be conducted in person, on the phone, or online and includes verbal, physical, and repeated behavior. Important elements are the offender’s intent to harass the victim, that the communication or conduct is unwanted, and that actions are repetitive or cause emotional distress and fear for safety.
What Are the Penalties for Harassment in IA?
Depending on the circumstances, harassment is generally charged as either a simple, serious, or aggravated misdemeanor in Iowa. Each level of offense will be accompanied by different penalties. Consider the following.
- Simple misdemeanor: Fines up to $855 and up to 30 days of imprisonment
- Serious misdemeanor: Fines up to $2,560 and up to 1 year of imprisonment
- Aggravated misdemeanor: Fines up to $8,540 and up to 2 years of imprisonment
If aggravating circumstances apply, like a previous conviction for a similar offense, a harassment charge could be enhanced to a Class D felony. In this case, you could face fines of up to $10,245 and up to 5 years of imprisonment.
The consequences of a harassment conviction can be severe, so do not hesitate to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney for help during your case.
