Indiana statute

Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5 — Possession of a knife on school property

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Chapter 5: Prohibited Instruments of Violence, Indiana Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Possession of a knife on school property

Full text of Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5

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 § 35-47-5-2.5Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session

Sec. 2.5. (a) As used in this section, "knife" means an instrument that: (1) consists of a sharp edged or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and (2) is intended to be used as a weapon. (b) The term includes a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, or throwing star. (c) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possesses a knife on: (1) school property (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-285 ); (2) a school bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-8 ); or (3) a special purpose bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-10 ); commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under this section and a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury to another person. (d) This section does not apply to a person who possesses a knife: (1) if: (A) the knife is provided to the person by the school corporation or possession of the knife is authorized by the school corporation; and (B) the person uses the knife for a purpose authorized by the school corporation; or (2) if the knife is secured in a motor vehicle.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is possession of a knife on school property a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?

It depends on the circumstances: possession of a knife on school property ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Level 6 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5.

Possession of a knife on school property (base offense): Class B Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5(c)) · Possession of a knife on school property — prior unrelated conviction: Class A Misdemeanor (Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5(c)) · Possession of a knife on school property — resulting in bodily injury: Level 6 Felony (Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5(c))

Which Indiana statute covers possession of a knife on school property?

Possession of a knife on school property is governed by Ind. Code § 35-47-5-2.5 (Possession of a knife on school property).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.