Indiana § 9-30-5-4 - Classification of offense; serious bodily injury

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4 — Classification of offense; serious bodily injury, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-30-5-4. Classification of offense; serious bodily injury

Sec. 4. (a) A person who causes serious bodily injury to another person when operating a vehicle:

(1) with an alcohol concentration equivalent to at least eight-hundredths (0.08) gram of alcohol per:

(A) one hundred (100) milliliters of the person's blood; or

(B) two hundred ten (210) liters of the person's breath;

(2) with a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of IC 35-48-2 or its metabolite in the person's blood; or

(3) while intoxicated;

commits a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 4 felony if the person has a previous conviction of operating while intoxicated within the five (5) years preceding the commission of the offense.

(b) A person who violates subsection (a) commits a separate offense for each person whose serious bodily injury is caused by the violation of subsection (a).

(c) It is a defense under subsection (a)(2) that the accused person consumed the controlled substance in accordance with a valid prescription or order of a practitioner (as defined in IC 35-48-1.1) who acted in the course of the practitioner's professional practice.

[Pre-1991 Recodification Citation: 9-11-2-4.]

As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.53-1994, SEC.5; P.L.97-1996, SEC.3; P.L.96-1996, SEC.3; P.L.33-1997, SEC.8; P.L.1-2000, SEC.8; P.L.175-2001, SEC.8; P.L.76-2004, SEC.3; P.L.125-2012, SEC.335; P.L.158-2013, SEC.160; P.L.63-2018, SEC.2; P.L.184-2019, SEC.5; P.L.186-2025, SEC.86.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 9-30-5-4

What does Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4 cover?

Section 9-30-5-4 ("Classification of offense; serious bodily injury") 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 § 9-30-5-4?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 9-30-5-4" (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 § 9-30-5-4 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.