William Sullivan

First degree murder occurs in five situations: (1) a premeditated and intentional killing; (2) a killing during the commission of certain dangerous felonies like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or child abuse; (3) a killing caused by throwing or discharging a bomb or destructive device; (4) a killing during an act of terrorism; or (5) a killing during rape or aggravated rape. A conviction results in death, life without parole, or life imprisonment—except for those under 18 at the time of the offense, who cannot receive the death penalty.

Penalty: Violation

First degree murder occurs in five situations: (1) a premeditated and intentional killing; (2) a killing during the commission of certain dangerous felonies like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or child abuse; (3) a killing caused by throwing or discharging a bomb or destructive device; (4) a killing during an act of terrorism; or (5) a killing during rape or aggravated rape. A conviction results in death, life without parole, or life imprisonment—except for those under 18 at the time of the offense, who cannot receive the death penalty.

Penalty: Violation

First degree murder occurs in five situations: (1) a premeditated and intentional killing; (2) a killing during the commission of certain dangerous felonies like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or child abuse; (3) a killing caused by throwing or discharging a bomb or destructive device; (4) a killing during an act of terrorism; or (5) a killing during rape or aggravated rape. A conviction results in death, life without parole, or life imprisonment—except for those under 18 at the time of the offense, who cannot receive the death penalty.

Penalty: Violation

Especially aggravated robbery is robbery committed with an actual deadly weapon where the victim suffers serious bodily injury—the most severe robbery offense requiring both a real weapon and significant physical harm to the victim. Conviction carries 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Penalty: Class A felony; 15-60 years; fine up to $50,000

It is illegal to possess a firearm with the intent to use it armed during the commission or attempted commission of a dangerous felony (any felony involving violence, threat of violence, or serious bodily injury). Violation is a Class D felony (2-12 years imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 fine), and can be enhanced to a Class C felony depending on the circumstances or nature of the underlying felony.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

It is illegal to take or exercise control over someone else's property without their permission with the intent to either permanently deprive them of it or withhold it long enough to substantially reduce its value or their enjoyment of it. This applies to any item of value.

Penalty: Violation

First degree murder occurs in five situations: (1) a premeditated and intentional killing; (2) a killing during the commission of certain dangerous felonies like robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or child abuse; (3) a killing caused by throwing or discharging a bomb or destructive device; (4) a killing during an act of terrorism; or (5) a killing during rape or aggravated rape. A conviction results in death, life without parole, or life imprisonment—except for those under 18 at the time of the offense, who cannot receive the death penalty.

Penalty: Violation

Aggravated assault is assault committed with a deadly weapon (a firearm or anything designed to cause death or serious injury) or assault that causes serious bodily injury (substantial risk of death or permanent damage); this is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine), but can be elevated to a Class C or B felony depending on aggravating circumstances like the severity of injury or use of weapons.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

Reckless endangerment is when someone acts recklessly in a way that puts another person in immediate danger of death or serious injury. This happens when a person is aware of a serious risk but ignores it anyway—for example, firing a gun into a crowd or driving dangerously fast through a populated area. A basic conviction is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The offense is enhanced to a Class E, D, or C felony (1-15 years in prison) if the reckless conduct involves using a deadly weapon or firearm.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to enter or stay on property knowing you have no permission and when your presence will cause fear for someone's safety, or when you damage property to get in or damage things while there. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. The charge is enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor (from Class B) if committed on a hospital building, school property, or state property. It becomes a Class E felony (1-6 years prison) if committed on a residential property of a law enforcement officer, military member, judge, or elected official with intent to harass them because of their status.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to hide from or run away from a police officer you know is trying to arrest you, or to flee in a vehicle when signaled to stop by a police officer. Evading arrest is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine, with mandatory driver's license suspension of 6 months to 2 years. This offense can be enhanced to a felony if you flee in a vehicle in dangerous circumstances or if the attempted arrest was lawful.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500