Criminal Division

The Criminal Division of the Linn County Attorney's Office is divided into three levels of criminal charges Felony crimes, Indictable Misdemeanors, and Simple Misdemeanors.

Felony Crimes

• Felony offenses are the most serious crimes established in the Iowa Code and are subject to the possibility of a prison term that is served in a State penal institution. 
• In addition to the possible loss of liberty, those convicted of felony offenses stand to lose certain civil rights including the right to vote, hold office or to possess firearms. 
• Some occupations require certain bonding or insurance coverage before beginning employment. 
• Some insurance companies refuse to bond convicted felons making it difficult to become employed in certain positions.

Indictable Misdemeanors

• Indictable misdemeanors are offenses for which the punishment can be a term of up to one year in the county jail or a term not to exceed two years in prison. 
• These offenses are referred to as serious or aggravated misdemeanors. 
• The Iowa Code provides for enhanced sentencing for certain repeat offenders (i.e., OWI, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Domestic Assault) that increase the penalties for some misdemeanor offenses to the felony level.

Simple Misdemeanors

• Simple misdemeanors are the least serious offenses in the Iowa Code and can include traffic offenses. 
• Simple misdemeanor offenses include a fine ranging between $65.00 up to $625.00 or the court may order imprisonment not to exceed 30 days in addition to a fine. 
• Most traffic offenses have a scheduled fine and the law requires the Clerk to asses a 35% surcharge on the fine as well as $60.00 in court costs.