UNDERSTANDING IOWA’S ROBBERY LAWS

Iowa has harsh penalties for robbery. The prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person commits a robbery when, having the intent to commit a theft, AND either
a. Commits an assault upon another; or
b. Threatens another with or purposely puts another in fear of immediate serious injury; or
c. Threatens to commit immediately any forcible felony.
There are three degrees of robbery
Robbery in the 1st Degree is a Class “B” Felony. Class “B” felonies are punishable by confinement for no more than 25 years.
Robbery in the 2nd Degree is a Class “C” Felony. Class “C” felonies are punishable by confinement for no more than 10 years and a minimum fine of $1,000, but not more than $10,000.
Robbery in the 3rd Degree is an Aggravated Misdemeanor. The penalty for an aggravated misdemeanor is imprisonment not to exceed two years and a fine of not less than $625, but not more than $6,250. The court may impose a sentence of confinement for a determinate term of one year or less to be served in the county jail in lieu of prison.