Indiana § 34-39-3-1 - Prior felony conviction; admissibility
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 34-39-3-1 — Prior felony conviction; admissibility, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-39-3-1. Prior felony conviction; admissibility
Sec. 1. (a) Evidence of a final judgment that:
(1) is entered after a trial or upon a plea of guilty; and
(2) adjudges a person guilty of a crime punishable by death or imprisonment of more than one (1) year;
shall be admissible in a civil action to prove any fact essential to sustaining the judgment, and is not excluded from admission as hearsay regardless of whether the declarant is available as a witness.
(b) The pendency of an appeal may be shown but does not affect the admissibility of evidence under this section.
[Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-3-18-1.]
As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.35.
IC 34-39-4Chapter 4. Records and Proceedings in Foreign Jurisdictions
34-39-4-1Proceedings and judgment; foreign states; United States territories; District of Columbia 34-39-4-2Common law of foreign courts 34-39-4-3Records and judicial proceedings of foreign courts
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 34-39-3-1
What does Indiana Code § 34-39-3-1 cover?
Section 34-39-3-1 ("Prior felony conviction; admissibility") 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 § 34-39-3-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 34-39-3-1" (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 § 34-39-3-1 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.