Indiana § 35-45-15-5 - Money laundering; defenses

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-45-15-5 — Money laundering; defenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-45-15-5. Money laundering; defenses

Sec. 5. (a) A person that knowingly or intentionally:

(1) acquires or maintains an interest in, receives, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity;

(2) conducts, supervises, or facilitates a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity; or

(3) invests, expends, receives, or offers to invest, expend, or receive, the proceeds of criminal activity or funds that are the proceeds of criminal activity, and the person knows that the proceeds or funds are the result of criminal activity;

commits money laundering, a Level 6 felony. However, the offense is:

(A) a Level 5 felony if the value of the proceeds or funds is at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000);

(B) a Level 5 felony if a person commits the crime with the intent to:

(i) commit or promote an act of terrorism; or

(ii) obtain or transport a weapon of mass destruction; and

(C) a Level 4 felony if the value of the proceeds or funds is at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and a person commits the crime with the intent to:

(i) commit or promote an act of terrorism; or

(ii) obtain or transport a weapon of mass destruction.

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person acted with intent to facilitate the lawful seizure, forfeiture, or disposition of funds or other legitimate law enforcement purpose under Indiana or United States law.

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

(1) the transaction was necessary to preserve a person's right to representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 13, of the Constitution of the State of Indiana; or

(2) the funds were received as bona fide legal fees by a licensed attorney and, at the time of the receipt of the funds, the attorney did not have actual knowledge that the funds were derived from criminal activity.

As added by P.L.112-1998, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.123-2002, SEC.42; P.L.158-2013, SEC.544.

IC 35-45-16Chapter 16. Malicious Mischief

35-45-16-0.1Repealed 35-45-16-1"HIV" 35-45-16-2Malicious mischief

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-45-15-5

What does Indiana Code § 35-45-15-5 cover?

Section 35-45-15-5 ("Money laundering; defenses") 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 § 35-45-15-5?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-45-15-5" (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 § 35-45-15-5 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.