Indiana § 35-36-2-4 - Finding of nonresponsibility by reason of insanity; commitment procedures; requirements of the warden and attending physician; transmittal of information to NICS

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-36-2-4 — Finding of nonresponsibility by reason of insanity; commitment procedures; requirements of the warden and attending physician; transmittal of information to NICS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-36-2-4. Finding of nonresponsibility by reason of insanity; commitment procedures; requirements of the warden and attending physician; transmittal of information to NICS

Sec. 4. (a) Whenever a defendant is found not responsible by reason of insanity at the time of the crime, the prosecuting attorney shall file a written petition with the court under IC 12-26-6-2(a)(3) or under IC 12-26-7. If a petition is filed under IC 12-26-6-2(a)(3), the court shall hold a commitment hearing under IC 12-26-6. If a petition is filed under IC 12-26-7, the court shall hold a commitment hearing under IC 12-26-7.

(b) The hearing shall be conducted at the earliest opportunity after the finding of not responsible by reason of insanity at the time of the crime, and the defendant shall be detained in custody until the completion of the hearing. The court may take judicial notice of evidence introduced during the trial of the defendant and may call the physicians appointed by the court to testify concerning whether the defendant is currently mentally ill and dangerous or currently mentally ill and gravely disabled, as those terms are defined in IC 12-7-2.1-170 and IC 12-7-2.1-226(1). The court may subpoena any other persons with knowledge concerning the issues presented at the hearing.

(c) The defendant has all the rights provided by the provisions of IC 12-26 under which the petition against the defendant was filed. The prosecuting attorney may cross-examine the witnesses and present relevant evidence concerning the issues presented at the hearing.

(d) If a court orders an individual to be committed under IC 12-26-6 or IC 12-26-7 following a verdict of not responsible by reason of insanity at the time of the crime, the warden of the facility to which the individual is committed and the attending physician are subject to the requirements of IC 12-26-15-1.

(e) If a defendant is found not responsible by reason of insanity, the court shall transmit any information required by the office of judicial administration to the office of judicial administration for transmission to the NICS (as defined in IC 35-47-2.5-2.5) in accordance with IC 33-24-6-3.

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.200-1983, SEC.4; P.L.2-1992, SEC.869; P.L.77-2004, SEC.4; P.L.110-2009, SEC.13; P.L.67-2017, SEC.14; P.L.161-2018, SEC.118; P.L.145-2026, SEC.229.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-36-2-4

What does Indiana Code § 35-36-2-4 cover?

Section 35-36-2-4 ("Finding of nonresponsibility by reason of insanity; commitment procedures; requirements of the warden and attending physician; transmittal of information to NICS") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 35-36-2-4?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-36-2-4" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 35-36-2-4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.