What Does a Murder Charge Really Mean in Indiana?

Posted on July 11, 2025
  • Violent Crimes

    • Murder is a serious crime with the potential to end your own life if you are convicted of this offense. You may have several defenses available to you, but you will likely need the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can determine the most effective legal strategy to employ in your case. The Indianapolis murder defense attorneys at The Criminal Defense Team are ready to help. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation. 

    What Is Murder Generally?

    Murder is killing another person without legal justification. It is typically the most serious crime that a person can be charged with in state court.

    How Indiana Law Defines Murder

    Under Indiana Code § 35-42-1-1, murder is considered any of the following:

    • Knowingly or intentionally killing another human being
    • Killing another human being while committing or attempting to commit any of the following crimes:
      • Arson
      • Burglary 
      • Child molesting
      • Consumer product tampering
      • Criminal deviant conduct
      • Kidnapping
      • Rape
      • Robbery
      • Human trafficking
      • Promotion of human labor trafficking
      • Promotion of child sexual trafficking
      • Promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child
      • Child sexual trafficking
      • Carjacking
    • Killing another human being while committing any of the following drug crimes
      • Dealing in or manufacturing cocaine or a narcotic drug
      • Dealing in methamphetamine
      • Manufacturing methamphetamine
      • Dealing in a schedule I, II, III, IV, or V controlled substance
    • Knowingly or intentionally killing a fetus in any stage of development

    Penalties for Murder

    Indiana Code 35-50-2-3 allows for the harshest penalties possible for murder, which can include any of the following:

    • A fixed term of 45 to 65 years
    • Death 
    • Life imprisonment without parole

    When you are facing such life-changing consequences, you need skilled legal representation.

    Potential Defenses to Murder

    With so much at stake, it’s imperative that you don’t simply plead guilty to the offense. You could have several viable defenses. An experienced board-certified attorney from our law firm can determine if these or any other defenses could apply:

    • Alibi
    • Misidentification
    • Procedural errors
    • Constitutional violations
    • Self-defense
    • Defense of others
    • Unintentional killing

    Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis aren’t afraid to go up against prosecutors and fight for your rights in court. However, if your interests would be best served by accepting a plea agreement, we can explore those options, too. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the nature of the charges against you, the possible defenses you could raise, and the potential outcomes so you can make informed decisions about your case and future.

    What Should You Do After Being Interrogated or Arrested for Murder

    The most important thing that you should do after your arrest is to remember your rights. Then, exercise them. Do not agree to speak to police. The only thing you should say to them is that you want to speak to a lawyer. 

    Contact Our Board-Certified Criminal Defense Lawyers for Legal Assistance

    If you have been arrested for murder or believe that you are under suspicion of this crime, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced attorneys for legal advice and representation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.