New Indiana Criminal Code Brings Changes to Felony Classification
The 2013 Criminal Code Revision will go into effect beginning July 1, 2014. Major changes to the Indiana Criminal Code have not been made since 1977. Over the past eight years, Indiana’s prison population has grown by 41 percent. In that time, the cost of maintaining these prisons has risen from $100 million to $600 million. The new changes being made to the Indiana Criminal Code are predicted to help solve some of these problems.
The first major change is how offenses will be classified, and the lengths of sentences for each classification. Currently felonies are classified and sentenced as follows:
- Murder: 45-65 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 55 years)
- Class A Felony: 20-50 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 30 years)
- Class B Felony: 6-20 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 10 years)
- Class C Felony: 2-8 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 4 years)
- Class D Felony: 6 months-3 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 1.5 years)
Beginning in July, felonies will be classified and sentenced as follows:
- Murder: 45-65 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 55 years)
- Level 1 Felony: 20-40 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 30 years)
- Level 2 Felony: 10-30 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 17.5 years)
- Level 3 Felony: 3-16 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 9 years)
- Level 4 Felony: 2-12 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 6 years)
- Level 5 Felony: 1-6 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 3 years)
- Level 6 Felony: 6 months-2.5 years in prison (Advisory Sentence 1 years)
The new changes in felony classification were created to help separate severe offenses from less violent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes. Under the new law, the penalties for possession of narcotics and marijuana are significantly reduced. There has also been major changes to the Good Time Credit Statute. If you have questions regarding how these changes will apply to your case, please feel free to contact our office.
Turner Valentine, LLP: 574-371-2052
