Iowa treats identity theft with severe penalties as of 2026, which can include misdemeanor or felony charges, imprisonment for years, and significant fines and restitution totaling thousands of dollars. The severity of the consequences is primarily determined by the extent of the benefit gained or loss incurred, along with any factors that aggravate the crime. Please continue reading as we explore what you should know about these matters and how an experienced Des Moines Theft Lawyer can help shield you from an uncertain future.
How Does Iowa Law Define Identity Theft?
Iowa Code § 715A.8 defines identity theft as the fraudulent use or attempted use of another person’s identifying information without permission. This information includes personal identifiers such as a name, Social Security Number, or bank/credit card numbers. The core requirement is the intent to obtain a benefit, credit, property, or services.
The scope of the law is broad and extends beyond major financial fraud. Examples include using someone else’s credit card number for online purchases and using a stolen identity to obtain employment or government benefits. Essentially, the offense requires two key elements: using another person’s identity and having the intent to defraud or gain some sort of benefit.
What Are the Consequences for Identity Theft (2026 Thresholds)?
In Iowa, the consequences for identity theft as of 2026 are categorized based on the monetary value of the property, services, or benefits acquired through the crime. The offense is classified as either a felony (Class D or Class C) or an aggravated misdemeanor. The severity of the punishment is directly proportional to the value involved in the fraudulent activity:
- Aggravated misdemeanor (value of $1,500 or less): This crime is punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $8,540.
- Class D Felony (value between $1,500 and $10,00o): This crime is punishable by up to 5 years behind bars and fines of up to $10,245.
- Class C Felony (value greater than $10,000): This crime is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $13,660.
What Collateral Consequences Should You Be Aware Of?
A conviction carries significant consequences beyond the primary penalties, including:
- Restitution: The offender must compensate victims for their financial losses.
- Surcharges: Fines are typically increased by an additional 35% surcharge.
- Forefeiture: Assets or profits derived from the criminal activity are subject to seizure.
It should be noted that a felony conviction can lead to the loss of fundamental rights and create substantial difficulties in obtaining future employment and securing loans.
If you are under investigation or facing charges for identity theft in Iowa, this is an extremely serious situation. You must seek qualified legal advice from an attorney at Herting Law, PLLC, as early as possible to protect your rights and interests. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consultation.
