JOSEPH A JEFFERS

It is illegal to intentionally damage someone else's property by destroying it, making it unusable, defacing it, or contaminating it with chemicals or toxic substances. The offense includes damaging merchandise in stores and marking or defacing government property. A violation 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 E felony (1-6 years prison) in certain circumstances, such as for repeat offenses or especially serious property damage.

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

Knowingly inflicting injury on a child under 18 (through non-accidental means) is child abuse, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines. If the abused child is 8 years old or younger, the offense is elevated to a Class D felony punishable by 2-12 years in prison. Enhanced penalties apply for child neglect or endangerment with aggravating factors.

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

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 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 carry or possess certain weapons including firearms, knives, or items designed to cause serious injury or death. Base punishment is up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $500 in fines. Penalties increase to felonies (1-6 years) if the weapon is carried during commission of a felony, near school property, or in certain other circumstances. ---

Penalty: Class B misdemeanor; 6 months; fine up to $500