Indiana legal term
Firearm in Indiana Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Indiana legislative session
In Indiana criminal law, “Firearm” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Indiana criminal code.
What does “Firearm” mean in Indiana criminal law?
"Firearm" means any weapon: (1) that is: (A) capable of expelling; or (B) designed to expel; or (2) that may readily be converted to expel; a projectile by means of an explosion. (Ind. Code § 35-47-1-5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal recklessness
- Dangerous control of a firearm
- Dangerous possession and unlawful transfer of a firearm
- Disarming a law enforcement officer
- Possession of firearms or imitation firearms on school property or a school bus; defense to a prosecution; possession of firearms in a motor vehicle parked in a school parking lot
- Theft
- Criminal transfer of a firearm
- Firearm, explosive, or deadly weapon; possession in commercial or chartered aircraft
- Organized retail theft
- Participation in criminal organization; offense
- Permitting child to possess a firearm
- Pointing firearm at another person
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.