Indiana criminal charge
Loansharking in Indiana
Current through 2026 Indiana legislative session
Loansharking is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-45-7-2. 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 § 35-45-7-2.
What is the penalty for loansharking in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 6 months to 30 months (Loansharking (base offense) — A person who, in exchange for a loan of property, knowingly or intentionally receives or contracts to receive consideration at a rate greater than two times the rate specified in IC 37-2-4-35(b)(1)(A).; 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 (Loansharking (base offense) — A person who, in exchange for a loan of property, knowingly or intentionally receives or contracts to receive consideration at a rate greater than two times the rate specified in IC 37-2-4-35(b)(1)(A).) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-7 |
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 6 years (Loansharking with force or threat of force — Applies when force or the threat of force is used to collect or attempt to collect the loaned property or the consideration for the loan.; fixed term; advisory sentence 3 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-6 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Loansharking with force or threat of force — Applies when force or the threat of force is used to collect or attempt to collect the loaned property or the consideration for the loan.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-6 |
Applies to offenses committed after June 30, 2014 (P.L.158-2013).
How is loansharking classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loansharking (base offense) | Level 6 Felony | A person who, in exchange for a loan of property, knowingly or intentionally receives or contracts to receive consideration at a rate greater than two times the rate specified in IC 37-2-4-35(b)(1)(A). | Ind. Code § 35-45-7-2undefined |
| Loansharking with force or threat of force | Level 5 Felony | Applies when force or the threat of force is used to collect or attempt to collect the loaned property or the consideration for the loan. | Ind. Code § 35-45-7-2undefined |
Common questions about loansharking in Indiana
Is loansharking a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
What are the penalties for loansharking in Indiana?
Which Indiana statute covers loansharking?
Loansharking is governed by Ind. Code § 35-45-7-2 (Loansharking).
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.