Indiana § 35-45-16-2 - Malicious mischief
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-45-16-2 — Malicious mischief, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 35-45-16-2. Malicious mischief
Sec. 2. (a) As used in this section, "body fluid" means:
(1) blood;
(2) saliva;
(3) sputum;
(4) semen;
(5) vaginal secretions;
(6) human milk;
(7) urine;
(8) sweat;
(9) tears;
(10) any other liquid produced by the body; or
(11) any aerosol generated form of liquids listed in this subsection.
(b) As used in this section, "infectious hepatitis" means:
(1) hepatitis A;
(2) hepatitis B;
(3) hepatitis C;
(4) hepatitis D;
(5) hepatitis E; or
(6) hepatitis G.
(c) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally places human:
(1) body fluid; or
(2) fecal waste;
in a location with the intent that another person will involuntarily touch the body fluid or fecal waste commits malicious mischief, a Class B misdemeanor.
(d) An offense described in subsection (c) is a:
(1) Level 6 felony if the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with:
(A) infectious hepatitis;
(B) HIV; or
(C) tuberculosis;
(2) Level 5 felony if:
(A) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with infectious hepatitis and the offense results in the transmission of infectious hepatitis to the other person; or
(B) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with tuberculosis and the offense results in the transmission of tuberculosis to the other person; and
(3) Level 4 felony if:
(A) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with HIV; and
(B) the offense results in the transmission of HIV to the other person.
(e) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally places human:
(1) body fluid; or
(2) fecal waste;
in a location with the intent that another person will ingest the body fluid or fecal waste commits malicious mischief with food, a Class A misdemeanor.
(f) An offense described in subsection (e) is:
(1) a Level 6 felony if the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with:
(A) infectious hepatitis;
(B) HIV; or
(C) tuberculosis;
(2) a Level 5 felony if:
(A) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with infectious hepatitis and the offense results in the transmission of infectious hepatitis to the other person; or
(B) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with tuberculosis and the offense results in the transmission of tuberculosis to the other person; and
(3) a Level 4 felony if:
(A) the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste was infected with HIV; and
(B) the offense results in the transmission of HIV to the other person.
As added by P.L.88-2002, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.545.
IC 35-45-17Chapter 17. RepealedRepealed by P.L.75-2021, SEC.9.
IC 35-45-17.1Chapter 17.1. Aggressive Harassment
35-45-17.1-1"Harasses" 35-45-17.1-2Aggressive harassment
IC 35-45-17.1-1"Harasses" Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "harasses" means unwanted contact with a person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress or fear.
As added by P.L.75-2021, SEC.10.
IC 35-45-17.1-2Aggressive harassment Sec. 2. An individual who harasses another person with the intent to obtain property from the other person commits aggressive harassment, a Class C misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.75-2021, SEC.10.
IC 35-45-18Chapter 18. Combative Fighting
35-45-18-0.1Repealed 35-45-18-1"Combative fighting" 35-45-18-2Combative fighting 35-45-18-3Unlawful promotion or organization of combative fighting
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-45-16-2
What does Indiana Code § 35-45-16-2 cover?
Section 35-45-16-2 ("Malicious mischief") 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 § 35-45-16-2?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-45-16-2" (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 § 35-45-16-2 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.