Iowa Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a Iowa online theft class, it's important to know your Iowa theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the Iowa theft laws shown on this page are to aid you in understanding your state Iowa theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the latest version of Iowa theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a substitute for legal advice from a lawyer. It is in your best interest that you consult with an appropriate attorney for more information about Iowa theft laws.

714.1 Theft defined.

A person commits theft when the person does any of the following:

1. Takes someone else's property with the intent to deprive them of it.

2. Misappropriates property they have in their possession, using it in a way that denies the owner's rights or concealing found property.

3. Obtains labor, services, or property of another through deception.

4. Exercises control over stolen property, knowing it is stolen, unless their purpose is to return it to the owner or deliver it to a public officer.

5. Takes, destroys, conceals, or disposes of property that someone else has a security interest in, with the intent to defraud the secured party.

6. Issues a check or written order without sufficient funds or knowingly writes a check on an account they do not have, with the intent to obtain property or services.

7. Obtains utilities or services from a public utility without authorization or through unauthorized connections or tampering.

8. Unauthorized access to or use of a computer or computer network, intending to obtain services, information, or property or to deprive the owner of possession.

9. Obtains temporary use of video rental property without consent or fails to return video rental property by the agreed time with the intent to deprive the owner of its use.

10. Commits an act declared as theft by any provision of the law.

714.2 Degrees of theft.

1. Theft of property over $10,000, theft from a person, or theft from a building affected by disaster or conflict is first-degree theft, a class "C" felony.

2. Theft of property between $1,000 and $10,000 or theft of a motor vehicle under $10,000 is second-degree theft, a class "D" felony.

3. Theft of property between $500 and $1,000 or theft of any property under $500 by a person with two prior theft convictions is third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.

4. Theft of property between $200 and $500 is fourth-degree theft, a serious misdemeanor.

5. Theft of property under $200 is fifth-degree theft, a simple misdemeanor.

714.3 Value.

The value of stolen property is determined by its highest reasonable value at the time of theft, including market value, actual value, or replacement value. If multiple acts of theft occur in close proximity, involving the same person, location, or within a 30-day period and are part of a single scheme, plan, or conspiracy, they may be considered a single theft, and the total value of all stolen property may be used.

You might also be interested in Iowa Theft and Shoplifting Classes.