Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5 — Tampering with a water supply; poisoning

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 1: Arson, Mischief, and Tampering, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Tampering with a water supply; poisoning

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-43-1-5

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 § 35-43-1-5Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session

Sec. 5. (a) A person who, with the intent to cause serious bodily injury, tampers with a: (1) water supply; (2) water treatment plant (as defined in IC 13-11-2-264 ); or (3) water distribution system (as defined in IC 13-11-2-259 ); commits tampering with a water supply, a Level 4 felony. However, the offense is a Level 2 felony if it results in the death of any person. (b) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally poisons a public water supply with the intent to cause serious bodily injury commits poisoning, a Level 3 felony.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

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))

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).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.