Understandably, most Hoosiers don’t keep their fingers on the pulse of Indiana criminal laws. But if you’re facing criminal charges in Indiana, not knowing the law isn’t an excuse, and it won’t get you far as a defense in court. While it isn’t necessary to get down to the nitty-gritty of every criminal law, it is helpful to have a general idea of the laws that should be on your radar.
Indiana Criminal Laws
There are countless criminal laws in Indiana, but here’s an overview of the main types of Indiana criminal laws you should be aware of.
Crimes Against Persons
Crimes against persons are arguably the most serious crimes. Indiana divides crimes against persons into a few different categories:
- Homicide
- Battery and related offenses
- Kidnapping and confinement
- Human and sexual trafficking
- Sex Crimes
- Robbery
Homicide
In Indiana, crimes that fall under the umbrella of homicide include:
- Murder
- Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death
- Causing suicide
- Assisting suicide
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Reckless homicide
Battery and Related Offenses
Battery and related offenses are generally those that involve unlawful physical contact where the person knowingly or intentionally inflicts serious or permanent injury to another. These acts can include domestic battery, aggravated battery, and strangulation, among others.
Kidnapping and Confinement
Crimes involving kidnapping and confinement in Indiana involve unlawfully removing or restraining a person without consent. Another lesser-known prohibited act under this category is interference with a child custody order.
Human and Sexual Trafficking
Making a person work or participate in sexual conduct through force or manipulative methods constitutes human and sexual trafficking under Indiana law.
Sex Crimes
Many acts fall into the category of sex crimes under Indiana law. A few of these include:
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Possession of child pornography
- Child molestation
Robbery
Robbery involves crimes against property but occurs with the victim present.
Crimes Against Property
There are numerous laws regarding crimes against property in Indiana, from the strange, like cemetery mischief, to the ordinary crimes of burglary and fraud. A few of the most common categories of property crimes under state law include, but are not limited to:
- Arson, mischief, and tampering
- Burglary and trespass
- Theft, conversion, and receiving stolen property
- Forgery, fraud, and other types of deception
Alcohol and Drug Offenses
In Indiana, alcohol and drug crimes include a wide range of offenses like possessing illegal drugs, dealing controlled substances, and driving while intoxicated (OWI).
Penalties for Violating Indiana Criminal Laws
Crimes in Indiana are categorized as either a felony or a misdemeanor. There are three misdemeanor classes (Class A, Class B, and Class C) and six felony classes (Level 1 Felony to Level 6 Felony). Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, and each class of misdemeanor and felony has different punishments. If you’re being accused of a crime in Indiana, it’s important to understand the difference between felony and misdemeanor consequences.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Today
No matter the type of criminal offense you’ve been charged with, understanding the law, the consequences, and the upcoming proceedings is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected. At Razumich & Associates, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys can explain it all and develop a strategy to get the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today at 317-983-5333 or schedule a free consultation online with our team to understand how we can help you.
