Indiana criminal charge
Tampering with a water supply; poisoning in Indiana
Tampering with a water supply; poisoning is a criminal offense under Indiana law, defined by Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5. 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 § 35-43-1-5.
What is the penalty for tampering with a water supply; poisoning in Indiana?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 12 years (Tampering with a water supply (base offense) — A person, with intent to cause serious bodily injury, tampers with a water supply, water treatment plant, or water distribution system.; fixed term; advisory sentence 6 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Tampering with a water supply (base offense) — A person, with intent to cause serious bodily injury, tampers with a water supply, water treatment plant, or water distribution system.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5.5 |
| Jail / prison | 10 years to 30 years (Tampering with a water supply resulting in death — The tampering offense under subsection (a) results in the death of any person.; fixed term; advisory sentence 17 1/2 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Tampering with a water supply resulting in death — The tampering offense under subsection (a) results in the death of any person.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5 |
| Jail / prison | 3 years to 16 years (Poisoning a public water supply — A person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally poisons a public water supply with intent to cause serious bodily injury.; fixed term; advisory sentence 9 years) | presumptive | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Poisoning a public water supply — A person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally poisons a public water supply with intent to cause serious bodily injury.) | discretionary | Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5 |
Applies to offenses committed after June 30, 2014 (P.L.158-2013).
How is tampering with a water supply; poisoning classified in Indiana?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampering with a water supply (base offense) | Level 4 Felony | A person, with intent to cause serious bodily injury, tampers with a water supply, water treatment plant, or water distribution system. | Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(a) |
| Tampering with a water supply resulting in death | Level 2 Felony | The tampering offense under subsection (a) results in the death of any person. | Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(a) |
| Poisoning a public water supply | Level 3 Felony | A person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally poisons a public water supply with intent to cause serious bodily injury. | Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(b) |
Common questions about tampering with a water supply; poisoning in Indiana
Is tampering with a water supply; poisoning a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
It depends on the circumstances: tampering with a water supply; poisoning ranges from a Level 4 Felony to a Level 2 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5.
Tampering with a water supply (base offense): Level 4 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(a)) · Tampering with a water supply resulting in death: Level 2 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(a)) · Poisoning a public water supply: Level 3 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5(b))
What are the penalties for tampering with a water supply; poisoning in Indiana?
Penalties for tampering with a water supply; poisoning 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, Ind. Code § 35-50-2-4.5 and Ind. Code § 35-50-2-5; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Indiana statute covers tampering with a water supply; poisoning?
Tampering with a water supply; poisoning is governed by Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5 (Tampering with a water supply; poisoning).
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.