Indiana § 31-33-22-3 - False reports; criminal and civil liability; notification of prosecuting attorney
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-33-22-3 — False reports; criminal and civil liability; notification of prosecuting attorney, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-33-22-3. False reports; criminal and civil liability; notification of prosecuting attorney
Sec. 3. (a) A person who intentionally communicates to:
(1) a law enforcement agency; or
(2) the department;
a report of child abuse or neglect knowing the report to be false commits a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the person has a previous unrelated conviction for making a report of child abuse or neglect knowing the report to be false.
(b) A person who intentionally communicates to:
(1) a law enforcement agency; or
(2) the department;
a report of child abuse or neglect knowing the report to be false is liable to the person accused of child abuse or neglect for actual damages. The finder of fact may award punitive damages and attorney's fees in an amount determined by the finder of fact against the person.
(c) The director or the director's designee shall, after review by the department's attorney, notify the prosecuting attorney whenever the director or the director's designee and the department's attorney have reason to believe that a person has violated this section.
(d) A person who:
(1) has reason to believe that the person is a victim of a false report of child abuse or neglect under this section; and
(2) is not named in a pending criminal charge or under assessment relating to the report;
may file a complaint with the prosecuting attorney. The prosecuting attorney shall review the relevant child abuse or neglect records of the department and any other relevant evidence.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-11-24.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.234-2005, SEC.166; P.L.131-2009, SEC.55; P.L.158-2013, SEC.318.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-33-22-3
What does Indiana Code § 31-33-22-3 cover?
Section 31-33-22-3 ("False reports; criminal and civil liability; notification of prosecuting attorney") 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 § 31-33-22-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-33-22-3" (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 § 31-33-22-3 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.