Indiana § 35-42-1-1.5 - Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1.5 — Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-42-1-1.5. Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death
Sec. 1.5. (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures or delivers a controlled substance or controlled substance analog, in violation of:
(1) IC 35-48-4-1 (dealing in cocaine or a narcotic drug);
(2) IC 35-48-4-1.1 (dealing in methamphetamine);
(3) IC 35-48-4-1.2 (manufacturing methamphetamine); or
(4) IC 35-48-4-2 (dealing in a schedule I, II, or III controlled substance);
that, when the controlled substance is used, injected, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested, results in the death of a human being who used the controlled substance, commits dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony.
(b) A person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures or delivers a controlled substance, in violation of IC 35-48-4-3, that, when the controlled substance is used, injected, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested, results in the death of a human being who used the controlled substance, commits dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 2 felony.
(c) A person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures or delivers a controlled substance, in violation of IC 35-48-4-4, an offense under IC 35-48-4 involving a synthetic drug (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-321), a synthetic drug lookalike substance (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-321.5 (before its repeal on July 1, 2019)) under IC 35-48-4-10.5 (before its repeal on July 1, 2019), a controlled substance analog (as defined in IC 35-48-1.1-8), or a substance represented to be a controlled substance (as described in IC 35-48-4-4.6), that, when the controlled substance is used, injected, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested, results in the death of a human being who used the controlled substance, commits dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 3 felony.
(d) It is not a defense to an offense described in this section that the human being died:
(1) after voluntarily using, injecting, inhaling, absorbing, or ingesting a controlled substance or controlled substance analog; or
(2) as a result of using the controlled substance or controlled substance analog in combination with alcohol or another controlled substance or with any other compound, mixture, diluent, or substance.
As added by P.L.198-2018, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.80-2019, SEC.16; P.L.186-2025, SEC.232.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-42-1-1.5
What does Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1.5 cover?
Section 35-42-1-1.5 ("Dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death") 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 § 35-42-1-1.5?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1.5" (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 § 35-42-1-1.5 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.