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Indiana criminal charge

Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting in Indiana

Current through 2026 Indiana legislative session

Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3. 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 § 35-45-18-3.

What is the penalty for unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting in Indiana?

Penalties for Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Fineup to $500 (Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — first offense — Applies when a person knowingly or intentionally promotes or organizes combative fighting, without a qualifying prior 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)discretionaryInd. Code § 34-28-5-4
Jail / prisonup to 1 year (Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — prior offense within 5 years — Applies when the person had a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction under this section within the five years preceding the current offense.)discretionaryInd. Code § 35-50-3-2
Fineup to $5,000 (Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — prior offense within 5 years — Applies when the person had a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction under this section within the five years preceding the current offense.)discretionaryInd. Code § 35-50-3-2

Applies to current.

How is unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting classified in Indiana?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — first offenseClass C InfractionApplies when a person knowingly or intentionally promotes or organizes combative fighting, without a qualifying prior adjudication or conviction.Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3undefined
Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — prior offense within 5 yearsClass A MisdemeanorApplies when the person had a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction under this section within the five years preceding the current offense.Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3undefined

Common questions about unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting in Indiana

Is unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting ranges from a Class C Infraction to a Class A Misdemeanor in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3.

Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — first offense: Class C Infraction (Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3) · Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting — prior offense within 5 years: Class A Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3)

What are the penalties for unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting in Indiana?

Penalties for unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting in Indiana depend on how it is classified — from a Class C Infraction up to a Class A Misdemeanor — with the ranges set by Ind. Code § 34-28-5-4 and Ind. Code § 35-50-3-2; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.

Which Indiana statute covers unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting?

Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-18-3 (Unlawful promotion or organization of 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.