Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2 — Kidnapping

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 3: Kidnapping and Confinement, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Kidnapping

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2

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 § 35-42-3-2Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session

Sec. 2. (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally removes another person, by fraud, enticement, force, or threat of force, from one place to another commits kidnapping. Except as provided in subsection (b), the offense of kidnapping is a Level 6 felony. (b) The offense described in subsection (a) is: (1) a Level 5 felony if: (A) the person removed is less than fourteen (14) years of age and is not the removing person's child; (B) it is committed by using a vehicle; or (C) it results in bodily injury to a person other than the removing person; (2) a Level 4 felony if it results in moderate bodily injury to a person other than the removing person; (3) a Level 3 felony if it: (A) is committed while armed with a deadly weapon; (B) results in serious bodily injury to a person other than the removing person; or (C) is committed on an aircraft; and (4) a Level 2 felony if it is committed: (A) with intent to obtain ransom; (B) while hijacking a vehicle; (C) with intent to obtain the release, or intent to aid in the escape, of any person from lawful incarceration; or (D) with intent to use the person removed as a shield or hostage.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is kidnapping a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: kidnapping ranges from a Level 6 Felony to a Level 2 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2.

Kidnapping (base offense): Level 6 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2(a)) · Kidnapping — victim under 14, vehicle used, or bodily injury: Level 5 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2(b)) · Kidnapping — moderate bodily injury: Level 4 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2(b)) · Kidnapping — armed, serious bodily injury, or on aircraft: Level 3 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2(b)) · Kidnapping — ransom, hijacking, aiding escape, or hostage/shield: Level 2 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2(b))

Which Indiana statute covers kidnapping?

Kidnapping is governed by Ind. Code § 35-42-3-2 (Kidnapping).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.