The Iowa Statute of Limitations on Vandalism

The statute of limitations for vandalism in Iowa depends upon the amount of property damage that was done. In Iowa vandalism can result in the prosecutor filing either a misdemeanor or a felony criminal charge.

Felony

• If the vandalism results in property damage ranging between $1,000 and $10,000 it is considered a Class D felony in Iowa. Property damage of over $10,000 is a class C felony. The statute of limitation for a felony prosecution is three years.

Serious Misdemeanor

• Vandalism causing property damage between $500 and $1,000 is an aggravated misdemeanor. The statute of limitations would be three years from time of occurrence for this offense.

Simple Misdemeanor

• A vandalism that results in property damage where the cost to repair is under $500 is a simple misdemeanor. The statute of limitations for prosecution is one year.

Tolling

• The state can toll or stop the statute of limitations under certain circumstances. In Iowa the statute of limitations does not run during the time period that the accused is absent from the state.