What Is a Class C Felony in Iowa?

Class C felonies are serious offenses, even though they are typically less severe felonies at the lower end of the scale. However, Iowa does not primarily classify its felonies by degree; instead, felonies in Iowa are divided into Classes A through D according to Iowa Code § 701.7. Under this hierarchy, Class A felonies are the most serious while Class D felonies are the least severe.

Class A felonies are severe enough to warrant life sentences, and Class D still incur years in jail. Third-degree felonies will generally be equivalent to Class C felonies in Iowa. Degrees may be attached to a specific crime’s name to emphasize its severity.

Classes C and D are on the lower end of the felony spectrum, but still carry severe penalties such as jail time of up to 10 years and fines over $10,000. Sentencing typically depends on the nature of the crime, aggravating factors, and the offender’s prior records. Such felonies also have lasting consequences beyond legal penalties because felony convictions are still considered major criminal convictions. Such consequences include a permanent criminal record, the loss of certain civil rights, and challenges in finding employment or housing.

Common Offenses That Fall Under Class C Felony Charges

Felonies classified as Class C (Third-degree felonies) in Iowa encompass a wide range of offenses. These offenses are non-violent and violent crimes that involve harm and intent, but are less severe than the most serious or violent crimes. Some Class C felonies include the following:

• Felony Theft: This is the theft of property valued between $1500 and $10,000, including expensive electronics, cars, and equipment.
• Second-Degree Burglary: This involves breaking into an occupied building intending to commit a crime, such as assault or theft.
• Willfully Causing Harm: This applies when the defendant causes another person bodily harm intentionally, including long-term harm and disfigurement.
• Third OWI Offense: A third-time conviction for driving under the influence(DUI) is automatically raised to a felony.
• Possession and Drug Distribution: This is used when a person is caught with drugs and evidence shows the intent to distribute or sell, but not for personal use.

Criminal Court Records are a more comprehensive source of information about these types of crimes in Iowa.

Penalties and Sentencing for Class C Felonies in Iowa

Punishment for Class C felonies in Iowa is quite severe and includes years of prison time and substantial financial penalties. Under Iowa Code §902.9(1)(d), a Class C offense may lead to up to 10 years imprisonment and up to $13,660 in fines. However, sentencing is not always the same: the courts typically consider several factors during the process, such as the following:

• Nature of the offense
• Violence or the use of weapons during the crime
• Injury and harm to victims
• The defendant's prior criminal record

Not every offender receives immediate jail time in Iowa. Certain offenders, particularly first-time non-violent ones, may be eligible for the state’s deferred judgment programs, which include a period of probation and other alternatives. Violet and repeat offenders, on the other hand, are likely to receive immediate jail time for their offenses.

Will You Go to Jail for a Class C Felony in Iowa?

Prison time is a serious possibility if convicted of a Class C felony in Iowa. Class C felonies are serious offenses, especially when violence, significant financial losses, and repeat offenders are involved. Class C or third-degree felony jail time can last up to 10 years, depending on the type of crime, aggravating factors like weapons, and the offender’s prior criminal record.

However, not everybody convicted of a Class C felony ends up in prison. The judge may sentence the offender to probation or deferred judgment programs based on their eligibility. To qualify for such programs, the defendant is required to meet specific criteria, including the following:

• The defendant must have no prior felony convictions.
• The crime must be a low-level non-violent offense.
• Typically, the defendant must have entered a guilty plea.

The court will also consider mitigating factors in the case, such as the defendant cooperating with law enforcement and being a first-time offender.

How Long Does a Class C Felony Stay on Your Record?

As a felony conviction, records of a Class C felony will remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless steps are taken to remove them. If records of a Class C offense meet specific qualifications, they may be eligible for expungement. Non-conviction records, in particular, may qualify, but felony convictions in Iowa, even Class C felonies, typically do not qualify for expungement.
Not-guilty verdicts, dismissed charges, and charges dropped after completion of deferred judgment programs may qualify for expungement in Iowa.

The effects of a Class C felony record include effects and consequences that extend beyond just prison time and fines. These records are public information accessible to the general public, including landlords, employers, and licensing authorities, through simple background checks and record searches. Having a felony conviction record may affect housing and license applications, voting rights, and job opportunities.

Can a Class C Felony Be Sealed or Expunged in Iowa?

Expungement and sealing in Iowa are two distinct procedures for limiting public access to certain criminal records in the state. Expungement destroys the record like it never happened, while sealing removes it from public access, but government agencies, such as law enforcement, may still access it.

In Iowa, convictions for Class C felonies are generally not eligible for expungement. Most felony expungements are only possible if the following criteria are met:

• The defendant was acquitted at trial.
• No charges were brought, or the case was dismissed.
• The defendant entered and completed a deferred judgment program.

If the defendant was convicted of a Class C felony and served a prison sentence, their records are generally not eligible for expungement. However, certain low-level non-violent crimes may meet the eligibility rules. Low-level first-time offenders who have maintained a clean record for a given waiting period after completing their sentence and convictions, granted a governor’s pardon, are among the rare cases of sentence that may qualify for expungement.

How Class C Felonies Compare to First- and Second-Degree Felonies

Felonies in Iowa are grouped into four Classes: A, B, C, and D, with Class A and B equivalent to First and Second-degree felonies. These are the most serious forms of crime in the state and may involve violence, severe financial consequences, serious injuries, and loss of life.

Class A felonies are the most severe offenses and involve intentional loss of life or extreme harm to another person. They include crimes such as first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. Penalties include mandatory life imprisonment without possibility of parole or probation.

Class B felonies are the next severe and correspond with second-degree felonies. These typically involve crimes that involve violence, significant injury, severe financial damage, and large-scale issues to society. Penalties include fines and up to 25 years in prison.

How to Look Up Class C Felony Records in Iowa

There are several ways for interested parties to find a Class C felony record in Iowa. These records are mostly public information that can be found by contacting the official custodian of the state’s legal system. Records are available via official sources such as the Iowa Judicial Branch Records Portal, the Clerk of Courts in the county where the case was heard, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Record seekers should keep in mind that certain records, including juvenile records, expunged records, and any information restricted by law, will not appear during public record searches.

The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains a database and an Online Record Portal where users may access records via a registered account. The database contains statewide criminal case records, including felony convictions and sentencing information. Search criteria include name, county, case type, and case number. Basic searches online are free, while more detailed records will require a fee.

Record seekers may also visit the Clerk of Courts in the county courthouse, where the case was heard. Visitors will be aided by staff with in-person searches. Certified copies can also be provided for a copy fee. Court locations can be found using the Find a County Courthouse search bar on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

A full criminal background check can also be requested from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Interested parties may request an Iowa Criminal History Record Check from the DCI online, by mail, or in person. Requests cost $15 for each last name searched.

Probation and Parole for Class C Felony Offenders

In Iowa, a person convicted of a Class C felony (third-degree) may be eligible for probation or parole, depending on the specific case. While jail sentences are normal in many cases, judges have the discretion to impose deferred judgment programs and probation. Non-violent offenders with no prior convictions may qualify for programs that include court-imposed conditions, such as treatment, restitution, counseling, and community service. Probation programs allow offenders to serve their sentences under supervision within the community instead of prison. However, violating the terms of probation can result in prison time.

For offenders serving a prison sentence, parole may be an option after they have served a part of the sentence. This is typically around a third or half of their whole sentence, depending on the type of crime. Parole is issued by the Iowa Board of Parole, which reviews and approves each case and considers factors such as the inmate’s behavior, their risk to the public, and progress of their rehabilitation.

Although possibilities for Class C felonies, neither probation nor parole is guaranteed. Any defendant involved in violent crimes and offenses against vulnerable victims are unlikely to be considered.