In Iowa, when did a domestic abuse charge become a felony?

Question

I'm looking for what year of has it always been that way and if so shouldn't you be told that you are?

Answer 1

Domestic abuse assault - Chapter 708 of the Code of Iowa addresses different types of assaults. Section 708.2A defines domestic abuse assault as a harmful touching or doing something that puts another in immediate physical fear such as pointing a weapon at that person.

If I used the laws of my own state, they mirror those of Iowa almost word for word.

As there are different "levels" of assault, meaning there are assaults that involve threats and then assaults that involve injury to the victim.

Dependant upon the level of injury will determine the level of the assault.

Because it's not as serious to make a threat versus that of stabbing another....the stabbing would be a felony assault whereas the threat would be a misdemeanor.

So you need to consider the level of abuse you used in your case which appears the assault was of a more serious nature.

Hope this helps...best wishes!

Answer 2

I'm not familiar with Iowa or the state laws there, but I would hope that a domestic abuse charge would have always been a felony!

And what do you mean by 'shouldn't you be told that you are?'