Legal Question in Criminal Law in Iowa

Re: worst punishment on a first offense of theft

Theft such as you have described is classed as a serious misdemeanor. The maximum penalty that can be assessed is a fine of at least $250 and not more than $1,500 and less than 1 year in jail. In addition there is a statutory surcharge of 30 per cent on all criminal fines in Iowa which means that the amount paid ranges from $325 to $1,950 plus court costs.

To answer your question, the maximum penalty could be a fine plus surcharge of $1,950 and imprisonment for less than one year.

Having said that, it would be unlikely that a first offender with no criminal history would suffer this level of punishment, and jail time under such conditions is unusual.

In addition, he may be eligible for a deferred judgment if he successfully complies with all requirements the court may impose. In such a case limitations are placed on access to this criminal information.