Indiana criminal charge
Disrupting operation of aircraft in Indiana
Disrupting operation of aircraft is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6. 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 § 35-47-6-1.6.
What is the penalty for disrupting operation of aircraft in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 12 years (Disrupting operation of aircraft by force or threat — A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to disrupt the operation of an aircraft.; fixed term; advisory sentence 6 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Disrupting operation of aircraft by force or threat — A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to disrupt the operation of an aircraft.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
| Jail / prison | 10 years to 30 years (Hijacking an aircraft in flight — A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to hijack an aircraft in flight.; fixed term; advisory sentence 17 1/2 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Hijacking an aircraft in flight — A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to hijack an aircraft in flight.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5 |
Applies to offenses committed after June 30, 2014 (P.L.158-2013).
How is disrupting operation of aircraft classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disrupting operation of aircraft by force or threat | Level 4 Felony | A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to disrupt the operation of an aircraft. | Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6(a) |
| Hijacking an aircraft in flight | Level 2 Felony | A person knowingly or intentionally uses force or violence or the threat of force or violence to hijack an aircraft in flight. | Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6(b) |
Common questions about disrupting operation of aircraft in Indiana
Is disrupting operation of aircraft a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
It depends on the circumstances: disrupting operation of aircraft ranges from a Level 4 Felony to a Level 2 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6.
Disrupting operation of aircraft by force or threat: Level 4 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6(a)) · Hijacking an aircraft in flight: Level 2 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6(b))
What are the penalties for disrupting operation of aircraft in Indiana?
Penalties for disrupting operation of aircraft in Indiana depend on how it is classified — from a Level 4 Felony up to a Level 2 Felony — with the ranges set by Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 and Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Indiana statute covers disrupting operation of aircraft?
Disrupting operation of aircraft is governed by Ind. Code § 35-47-6-1.6 (Disrupting operation of aircraft).
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.