Iowa Code 727.12 – Failure to assist
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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1. A person who reasonably believes another person is suffering from a risk of serious bodily injury or imminent danger of death shall, if the person is able, attempt to contact local law enforcement or local emergency response authorities, if doing so does not place the person or the other person at risk of serious bodily injury or imminent danger of death. A person shall not be required to contact local law enforcement or emergency response authorities if the person knows or reasonably believes that the other person is not in need of help or assistance.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Aggravated misdemeanor | up to 2 years | between $855 and $8,540 |
| Simple misdemeanor | up to 30 days | between $105 and $855 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 727.12
- following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
2. A person who violates this section without lawful cause commits the following:
a. A simple misdemeanor if the failure to assist results in the other person suffering serious bodily injury.
b. An aggravated misdemeanor if the failure to assist results in the death of the other person.