Indiana § 35-34-1-4 - Motion to dismiss by defendant; grounds; requisites; disposition; effect of order

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-34-1-4 — Motion to dismiss by defendant; grounds; requisites; disposition; effect of order, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-34-1-4. Motion to dismiss by defendant; grounds; requisites; disposition; effect of order

Sec. 4. (a) The court may, upon motion of the defendant, dismiss the indictment or information upon any of the following grounds:

(1) The indictment or information, or any count thereof, is defective under section 6 of this chapter.

(2) Misjoinder of offenses or parties defendant, or duplicity of allegation in counts.

(3) The grand jury proceeding was defective.

(4) The indictment or information does not state the offense with sufficient certainty.

(5) The facts stated do not constitute an offense.

(6) The defendant has immunity with respect to the offense charged.

(7) The prosecution is barred by reason of a previous prosecution.

(8) The prosecution is untimely brought.

(9) The defendant has been denied the right to a speedy trial.

(10) There exists some jurisdictional impediment to conviction of the defendant for the offense charged.

(11) Any other ground that is a basis for dismissal as a matter of law.

(b) Except as otherwise provided, a motion under this section shall be made no later than:

(1) twenty (20) days if the defendant is charged with a felony; or

(2) ten (10) days if the defendant is charged only with one (1) or more misdemeanors;

prior to the omnibus date. A motion made thereafter may be summarily denied if based upon a ground specified in subdivision (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) of this section. A motion to dismiss based upon a ground specified in subdivision (a)(6), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(9), (a)(10), or (a)(11) of this section may be made or renewed at any time before or during trial. A motion to dismiss based upon lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter may be made at any time.

(c) Upon the motion to dismiss, a defendant who is in a position adequately to raise more than one (1) ground in support thereof shall raise every ground upon which he intends to challenge the indictment or information. A subsequent motion based upon a ground not properly raised may be summarily denied. However, the court, in the interest of justice and for good cause shown, may entertain and dispose of such a motion on the merits.

(d) Upon the motion to dismiss, the court shall:

(1) overrule the motion to dismiss;

(2) grant the motion to dismiss and discharge the defendant; or

(3) grant the motion to dismiss and deny discharge of the defendant if the court determines that the indictment or information may be cured by amendment under section 5 of this chapter and the prosecuting attorney has moved for leave to amend.

If the court grants the motion under subdivision (3) and grants the prosecuting attorney leave to amend, any prior order imposing conditions of release pending trial shall stand unless otherwise modified or removed by order of the court.

(e) If the court grants a motion under subsection (a)(3) and the prosecuting attorney informs the court on the record that the charges will be refiled within seventy-two (72) hours by information:

(1) the court may not discharge the defendant; and

(2) any prior order concerning release pending trial remains in force unless it is modified or removed by the court.

(f) An order of dismissal does not, of itself, constitute a bar to a subsequent prosecution of the same crime or crimes except as otherwise provided by law.

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.3. Amended by Acts 1982, P.L.204, SEC.20; P.L.320-1983, SEC.12.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-34-1-4

What does Indiana Code § 35-34-1-4 cover?

Section 35-34-1-4 ("Motion to dismiss by defendant; grounds; requisites; disposition; effect of order") 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 § 35-34-1-4?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-34-1-4" (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 § 35-34-1-4 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.