State lawmakers are looking to set a maximum length of time a person can be locked up for multiple misdemeanor convictions stemming from a single episode of criminal conduct.
Currently, there's no limit in Indiana on the number of consecutive sentences that may be imposed for misdemeanor convictions — making it possible for a person found guilty of, for example, three misdemeanors to spend more time in jail than a person convicted of a level 6 felony.
House Bill 1014, sponsored by state Rep. Alex Zimmerman, R-North Vernon, would change that by establishing a one-year maximum incarceration period for a person whose most serious offense is a class C misdemeanor, which typically is punishable by 60 days in jail for a single offense.
A person could spend up to two years behind bars if consecutive sentences are imposed and a class B misdemeanor is the highest offense, while consecutive sentences could total three years if a class A misdemeanor is the highest offense, according to the legislation.
Zimmerman said his proposal would close "a gap in the law," since the Indiana Code already specifies maximum incarceration periods for consecutive felony sentences but is silent on misdemeanors.
The House approved the measure 91-0 Thursday. It next goes to the Senate.
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