What is an aggravated misdemeanor? 

by David A. Cmelik Law PLC

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Aggravated misdemeanors are the highest classification of misdemeanor with which an Iowa criminal defendant may be charged without being indicted for a more serious felony offense.

 

Even though an aggravated misdemeanor is a still a misdemeanor offense, it is punishable with at most two years in prison. Yes, prison. Jail is also an option-- anything up to and including one year. Fines typically range from $855 to $8,540.

 

Operating while intoxicated, second offense, is an aggravated misdemeanor. Minimum jail sentence in OWI-2nd is seven (7) days. Minimum fine is $1875. Maximum fines and prison are unchanged. Driving while barred is also an aggravated misdemeanor. Carrying weapons without a valid permit is also an aggravated misdemeanor.

 

Indictment and discovery are conducted like all indictable offenses, with depositions possible as is the case in serious misdemeanors.

 

If you or a loved one has been arrested for an aggravated misdemeanor, a blog is not an adequate substitute for actual legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by reading such a blog nor by sending unsolicited information to an attorney over the Internet. Contact David A. Cmelik Law PLC for an initial consultation today.