Indiana criminal charge
Combative fighting in Indiana
Combative fighting is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2. Its classification is not fixed: Indiana assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2.
What is the penalty for combative fighting in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $500 (Unlawful combative fighting (first offense) — Applies when a person knowingly or intentionally participates in combative fighting without any prior related adjudication or conviction.; civil judgment, not a criminal conviction (IC 34-28-5); no jail; IC 34-28-5-4(f) exceptions may set a different amount) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 34-28-5-4 |
| Jail / prison | up to 60 days (Unlawful combative fighting (repeat offense) — Applies when the person has a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction for combative fighting within the previous five years.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-3-4 |
| Fine | up to $500 (Unlawful combative fighting (repeat offense) — Applies when the person has a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction for combative fighting within the previous five years.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-3-4 |
Applies to current.
How is combative fighting classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful combative fighting (first offense) | Class C Infraction | Applies when a person knowingly or intentionally participates in combative fighting without any prior related adjudication or conviction. | Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2undefined |
| Unlawful combative fighting (repeat offense) | Class C Misdemeanor | Applies when the person has a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction for combative fighting within the previous five years. | Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2undefined |
Common questions about combative fighting in Indiana
Is combative fighting a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
It depends on the circumstances: combative fighting ranges from a Class C Infraction to a Class C Misdemeanor in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2.
Unlawful combative fighting (first offense): Class C Infraction (Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2) · Unlawful combative fighting (repeat offense): Class C Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2)
What are the penalties for combative fighting in Indiana?
Which Indiana statute covers combative fighting?
Combative fighting is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-18-2 (Combative fighting).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.