Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5 — Money laundering; defenses

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 15: Money Laundering, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Money laundering; defenses

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.

Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session

Sec. 5. (a) A person that knowingly or intentionally: (1) acquires or maintains an interest in, receives, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity; (2) conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity; or (3) invests, expends, receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity or funds that are the proceeds of criminal activity, and the person knows that the proceeds or funds are the result of criminal activity; commits money laundering, a Level 6 felony. However, the offense is: (A) a Level 5 felony if the value of the proceeds or funds is at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); (B) a Level 5 felony if a person commits the crime with the intent to: (i) commit or promote an act of terrorism; or (ii) obtain or transport a weapon of mass destruction; and (C) a Level 4 felony if the value of the proceeds or funds is at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and a person commits the crime with the intent to: (i) commit or promote an act of terrorism; or (ii) obtain or transport a weapon of mass destruction. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person acted with intent to facilitate the lawful seizure, forfeiture, or disposition of funds or other legitimate law enforcement purpose under Indiana or United States law. (c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that: (1) the transaction was necessary to preserve a person's right to representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 13, of the Constitution of the State of Indiana; or (2) the funds were received as bona fide legal fees by a licensed attorney and, at the time of the receipt of the funds, the attorney did not have actual knowledge that the funds were derived from criminal activity.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is money laundering; defenses a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: money laundering; defenses ranges from a Level 6 Felony to a Level 4 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5.

Money laundering — base offense: Level 6 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5(a)) · Money laundering — proceeds or funds valued at least $50,000: Level 5 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5(a)) · Money laundering — intent to commit terrorism or obtain weapon of mass destruction: Level 5 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5(a)) · Money laundering — high value proceeds combined with terrorism/WMD intent: Level 4 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5(a))

Which Indiana statute covers money laundering; defenses?

Money laundering; defenses is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-15-5 (Money laundering; defenses).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.