Indiana § 35-42-4-13 - Inappropriate communication with a child
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-42-4-13 — Inappropriate communication with a child, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-42-4-13. Inappropriate communication with a child
Sec. 13. (a) This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a child.
(2) A person who acts with the permission of a child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
(3) A person to whom a child makes a report of abuse or neglect.
(4) A person to whom a child reports medical symptoms that relate to or may relate to sexual activity.
(b) As used in this section, "sexual activity" means sexual intercourse, other sexual conduct (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-221.5), or the fondling or touching of the buttocks, genitals, or female breasts.
(c) A person at least eighteen (18) years of age who knowingly or intentionally:
(1) communicates with an individual whom the person believes to be a child less than fourteen (14) years of age concerning sexual activity with the intent to gratify the sexual desires of the person or the individual; or
(2) engages in a pattern of repeated or continuous contact with an individual the person believes to be less than fourteen (14) years of age, with the intent to condition the individual to be less resistant to future sexual conduct or sexual activity;
commits sexual grooming, a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the person commits the offense by using a computer network (as defined in IC 35-43-2-3(a); and
(2) a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under this section or for a sex offense (as defined in IC 11-8-8-5.2).
As added by P.L.119-2008, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.247-2013, SEC.9; P.L.158-2013, SEC.449; P.L.168-2014, SEC.74; P.L.111-2026, SEC.4.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-42-4-13
What does Indiana Code § 35-42-4-13 cover?
Section 35-42-4-13 ("Inappropriate communication with a child") 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 § 35-42-4-13?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-42-4-13" (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 § 35-42-4-13 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.