Local Laws

Felonies (generally)--Unless there is a specific penalty attached (such as for forcible felonies, including sexual assault and murder), the penalties for felony level offenses in Iowa are as follows:Class A Felony: Life in prison without parole; sentence may not be deferred or suspended; may only be released on parole if governor commutes the sentence to a term of years Class B Felony: Maximum prison term not to exceed 25 years; may be deferred or suspended unless forcible felony Class C Felony: Maximum prison term not to exceed 10 years; may be deferred or suspended unless forcible felony; fine of at least $1,000 but no more than $10,000. Class D Felony: Maximum prison term not to exceed 5 years; may be deferred or suspended unless forcible felony; fine of at least $750 but no more than $7,500. Habitual Offender: Enhanced penalties for repeat offenders committing their third felony offense; minimum sentence of three years for Class C or D felonies to be served before parole

Class C Felony: Maximum prison term not to exceed 10 years; may be deferred or suspended unless forcible felony; fine of at least $1,000 but no more than $10,000.

Under the law, a minor can beemancipatedby the court for one or more of several reasons. To be emancipated means that the child is “legally” an adult and no longer requires parental supervision even though they may not have yet reached the age of majority (age 18 in most states).

If a minor is granted emancipation by the court, the child gains certain rights and benefits normally reserved for adults. These include the right to sue and bring actions in court without the need for an adult filing as “Next Friend”, the right to marry and the right to join the military without parental permission.

Emancipated minors may also choose to live where they please, enter into contracts and own property. They can obtain medical care without a parent’s signature and they can manage their own money.

But emancipation isn’t just about benefits. An emancipated minor is also responsible for any contracts he or she signs and can be sued in court just like an adult. They are responsible for their own well-being which means that they must earn their own living, pay their own bills and find their own place to live – their parents will no longer be responsible for these things.

Emancipated minors are also no longer eligible for state assistance normally offered to children. They will, however, still be eligible to receive any assistance normally offered to adults.

Some states also recognize “partial” emancipation as an alternative to complete emancipation. In these instances, the child will be awarded certain rights, such as the right to manage their own money or the right to choose their own school but will still fall under their parents’ supervision for all other matters.

Can I possess an Airsoft/BB gun?

No. Airsoft weapons, under current legislation, irrespective of muzzle velocity, cannot be lawfully possessed in Queensland. Unlawful possession of such weapons may result in prosecution for weapons related offences.