Indiana criminal charge
Neglect of a dependent; child selling in Indiana
Neglect of a dependent; child selling is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-46-1-4. 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 § 35-46-1-4.
What is the penalty for neglect of a dependent; child selling in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 30 months (Neglect of a dependent (base offense) — A person having care of a dependent knowingly or intentionally endangers the dependent's life or health, abandons/cruelly confines, deprives of necessary support, or deprives of required education.; fixed term; advisory sentence 1 year; court may enter judgment of conviction as a Class A misdemeanor in limited circumstances (IC 35-50-2-7(c))) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Neglect of a dependent (base offense) — A person having care of a dependent knowingly or intentionally endangers the dependent's life or health, abandons/cruelly confines, deprives of necessary support, or deprives of required education.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7 |
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 30 months (Child selling — A person transfers or receives property in exchange for terminating care, custody, or control of a dependent child, outside of specified lawful court-ordered exceptions.; fixed term; advisory sentence 1 year; court may enter judgment of conviction as a Class A misdemeanor in limited circumstances (IC 35-50-2-7(c))) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Child selling — A person transfers or receives property in exchange for terminating care, custody, or control of a dependent child, outside of specified lawful court-ordered exceptions.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7 |
Applies to offenses committed after June 30, 2014 (P.L.158-2013).
How is neglect of a dependent; child selling classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neglect of a dependent (base offense) | Level 6 Felony | A person having care of a dependent knowingly or intentionally endangers the dependent's life or health, abandons/cruelly confines, deprives of necessary support, or deprives of required education. | Ind. Code § 35-46-1-4(a) |
| Child selling | Level 6 Felony | A person transfers or receives property in exchange for terminating care, custody, or control of a dependent child, outside of specified lawful court-ordered exceptions. | Ind. Code § 35-46-1-4(d) |
Common questions about neglect of a dependent; child selling in Indiana
Is neglect of a dependent; child selling a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
What are the penalties for neglect of a dependent; child selling in Indiana?
Penalties for neglect of a dependent; child selling in Indiana depend on how it is classified — from a Level 6 Felony up to a Level 6 Felony — with the ranges set by Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Indiana statute covers neglect of a dependent; child selling?
Neglect of a dependent; child selling is governed by Ind. Code § 35-46-1-4 (Neglect of a dependent; child selling).
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.