1. Before deferring judgment, deferring sentence, or suspending sentence, the court first shall determine which option, if available, will provide maximum opportunity for the rehabilitation of the defendant and protection of the community from further offenses by the defendant and others. In making this determination, the court shall consider all of the following:

 a. The age of the defendant.
 b. The defendant’s prior record of convictions and prior record of deferments of judgment if any.
 c. The defendant’s employment circumstances.
 d. The defendant’s family circumstances.
 e. The defendant’s mental health and substance abuse history and treatment options available in the community and the correctional system.
 f. The nature of the offense committed.
 g. Such other factors as are appropriate.
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Terms Used In Iowa Code 907.5

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • 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
 2. The court shall file a specific written statement of its reasons for and the facts supporting its decision to defer judgment, to defer sentence, or to suspend sentence, and its decision on the length of probation.