Indiana House endorses cap on consecutive misdemeanor sentences: Report

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a bill to limit the total jail time a person can serve for multiple misdemeanor convictions from a single criminal incident. Currently, there is no cap on consecutive misdemeanor sentences, meaning someone convicted of several misdemeanors could serve more time than a level 6 felony offender, reported NWI.com.

House Bill 1014, sponsored by Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon), would establish maximum incarceration periods based on the highest misdemeanor offense:

• Class C misdemeanor (normally up to 60 days) → Maximum 1 year
• Class B misdemeanor → Maximum 2 years
• Class A misdemeanor → Maximum 3 years

Zimmerman said the bill addresses a legal gap, as Indiana law already sets limits for consecutive felony sentences but not for misdemeanors. The House passed the bill unanimously (91-0), and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.