Section 35-42-4-12 - Sex offender Internet offense(a) This section applies only to a sex offender (as defined in IC 11-8-8-4.5).(b) A sex offender who knowingly or intentionally violates a:(1) condition of probation;(2) condition of parole; or(3) rule of a community transition program; that prohibits the offender from using a social networking web site or an instant messaging or chat room program to communicate with a child less than sixteen (16) years of age commits a sex offender Internet offense, a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under this section.
(c) It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection (b) that the person reasonably believed that the child was at least sixteen (16) years of age.Amended by P.L. 5-2022,SEC. 4, eff. 7/1/2022.Amended by P.L. 168-2014, SEC. 73, eff. 7/1/2014.Amended by P.L. 158-2013, SEC. 448, eff. 7/1/2014.Amended by P.L. 247-2013, SEC. 8, eff. 7/1/2013.As added by P.L. 119-2008, SEC.18.