Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5 — Hazing; good faith reporting

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 2: Battery and Related Offenses, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Hazing; good faith reporting

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5

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 § 35-42-2-2.5Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session

Sec. 2.5. (a) As used in this section, "hazing" means forcing or requiring another person: (1) with or without the consent of the other person; and (2) as a condition of association with a group or organization; to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally performs hazing commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if it results in serious bodily injury to another person, and a Level 5 felony if it is committed by means of a deadly weapon. (c) A person, other than a person who has committed an offense under this section or a delinquent act that would be an offense under this section if the violator were an adult, who: (1) makes a report of hazing in good faith; (2) participates in good faith in a judicial proceeding resulting from a report of hazing; (3) employs a reporting or participating person described in subdivision (1) or (2); or (4) supervises a reporting or participating person described in subdivision (1) or (2); is not liable for civil damages or criminal penalties that might otherwise be imposed because of the report or participation. (d) A person described in subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2) is presumed to act in good faith. (e) A person described in subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2) may not be treated as acting in bad faith solely because the person did not have probable cause to believe that a person committed: (1) an offense under this section; or (2) a delinquent act that would be an offense under this section if the offender were an adult.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is hazing; good faith reporting a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: hazing; good faith reporting ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Level 5 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5.

Hazing — base offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5(b)) · Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Level 6 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5(b)) · Hazing committed by means of a deadly weapon: Level 5 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5(b))

Which Indiana statute covers hazing; good faith reporting?

Hazing; good faith reporting is governed by Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2.5 (Hazing; good faith reporting).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.