Sec. 1. (a) Pleadings in criminal proceedings are:

(1) an indictment;

Terms Used In Indiana Code 35-35-2-1

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • in writing: include printing, lithographing, or other mode of representing words and letters. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(2) an information; and

(3) pleas of:

(A) not guilty;

(B) guilty; and

(C) guilty but mentally ill at the time of the crime.

Defenses and objections raised before trial which, before July 26, 1973, could have been raised by a plea in abatement, a plea in bar, a demurrer, a motion to quash, or any other plea not specifically allowed under this subsection may be raised only by motion to dismiss or to grant appropriate relief as provided in this title.

     (b) Except as provided in this title, an application to the court for an order must be by motion. A motion other than one made during a trial or hearing must be in writing unless the court permits it to be made orally. It must state the grounds upon which it is made and set forth the relief or order sought. It may be supported by affidavit.

     (c) Except as provided in this title, whenever the defendant files a motion, the state may file an answer to that motion. If no answer is filed by the state, all issues of fact and law raised by the motion stand at issue and the court shall proceed.

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1982, P.L.204, SEC.26.