Indiana Level 5 Felony Jail Time Explained – Credit Time & Release Eligibility

Actual jail time for Indiana Level 5 Felonies is typically 60-85% of the imposed sentence, depending on credit class eligibility and conduct.

Understanding how jail time differs from sentence length is crucial for anyone facing a Level 5 Felony charge in Indiana. While a court may impose a sentence ranging from 1 to 6 years, the actual time served is often significantly shorter due to Indiana's credit time system.

Why Jail Time Differs from Sentence Length

When an Indiana judge sentences someone to prison, that number represents the imposed sentence, not necessarily the actual time served. Indiana law allows inmates to earn "good time" credits that reduce their sentence, incentivizing good behavior and program participation.

The Credit Time System

Under Indiana Code § 35-50-6, inmates can earn credit time (also called good time) based on their classification:

Class A: 1 day credit per 1 day served
Class B: 1 day credit per 3 days served
Class C: 1 day credit per 6 days served
Class D: No credit time earned

Most non-violent Level 5 felony offenders are assigned Class B credit, though this can vary based on offense type, criminal history, and institutional conduct.

Credit Classes Overview (A to D)

Class A Credit (50% Time Served)

1 day credit per day served

Typically reserved for model inmates with exceptional conduct
Results in serving approximately 50% of sentence
Rare for felony sentences; requires approval
Example: 4-year sentence → ~2 years actual time

Class B Credit (75% Time Served)

1 day credit per 3 days served

Most common for non-violent Level 5 felonies
Results in serving approximately 75% of sentence
Standard for cooperative inmates without serious infractions
Example: 4-year sentence → ~3 years actual time

Class C Credit (85.7% Time Served)

1 day credit per 6 days served

Applied to certain violent or restricted offenses
Results in serving approximately 85.7% of sentence
May apply to repeat offenders or specific charge types
Example: 4-year sentence → ~3.4 years actual time

Class D Credit (100% Time Served)

No credit time

Required for credit-restricted felons (CRF)
Must serve 100% of imposed sentence
Applies to certain violent and sexual offenses
Example: 4-year sentence → 4 years actual time

Good Time Credit vs. Program Credit

Indiana distinguishes between two types of credit:

Good Time Credit (Automatic)

Earned automatically each day through good behavior
Based on credit class assignment (A/B/C/D)
Can be lost through disciplinary infractions
Calculated continuously throughout incarceration

Program Credit (Earned)

Earned through participation in educational, vocational, or treatment programs
May include GED completion, substance abuse treatment, or work programs
Adds to good time credit (does not replace it)
Availability depends on facility and program completion
Often requires case manager approval

Most inmates receive good time credit by default unless they lose it through misconduct. Program credits require active participation and successful completion.

Violent vs. Non-Violent Impact

Non-Violent Level 5 Felonies

Examples: theft, fraud, certain drug offenses, non-injury burglary

Usually assigned Class B credit (75% time)
May qualify for Class A with exceptional conduct
Eligible for most rehabilitation programs
Better chance for early release consideration

Violent Level 5 Felonies

Examples: battery causing serious injury, aggravated assault, certain intimidation offenses

Often assigned Class C or D credit (85.7% to 100% time)
May be designated as credit-restricted felon (CRF)
Limited program options in some facilities
Stricter supervision and eligibility requirements

The distinction is significant: a 3-year sentence with Class B credit results in ~27 months served, while the same sentence with Class D credit means serving the full 36 months.

How Disciplinary Issues Reduce Credits

Disciplinary infractions can result in loss of earned credits, extending actual release dates. Common infractions include:

Violence against staff or inmates
Contraband possession (drugs, weapons, phones)
Escape attempts or unauthorized absence
Refusing work assignments or program participation
Rule violations (depending on severity)

Credit Loss Process

Infraction reported by correctional officer
Disciplinary hearing conducted
Sanctions imposed (may include credit loss)
Credits deducted from inmate's total
Release date adjusted accordingly

Minor infractions might result in small credit losses, while major violations can result in loss of months or even years of accumulated credit.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Let's calculate actual time for a typical Level 5 Felony scenario:

Scenario: 3-year sentence, Class B credit, 30 days jail credit

Step 1: Calculate Total Sentence Days

3 years × 365 days = 1,095 days

Step 2: Deduct Jail Credit

1,095 - 30 days = 1,065 days remaining

Step 3: Calculate Credit Ratio

Class B: 1 credit per 3 days served
Credit ratio: 1/3 = 0.333...

Step 4: Determine Actual Days to Serve

Days to serve = 1,065 ÷ (1 + 0.333) = 799 days
799 days = ~26.6 months (~2 years, 2.5 months)

Step 5: Project Release Date

Start date + 799 days = projected release date

This calculation assumes no disciplinary credit loss and no additional program credits. Actual calculations are performed by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC).

Using the Calculator to Estimate Release

Our Indiana Level 5 Felony Calculator automates these calculations. Simply enter:

Sentence length (years and months)
Offense date (for context)
Incarceration start date
Jail credit days (pre-sentence time served)
Credit class level (A, B, C, or D)
Disciplinary credit loss (if any)

The calculator instantly provides:

Estimated release eligibility date
Time remaining to serve
Detailed breakdown of credits

Remember: this is an educational tool only and does not provide legal advice or guarantee accuracy of official IDOC calculations.

Important Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual sentence calculations, credit assignments, and release dates are determined by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), courts, and applicable statutes. Credit eligibility can be affected by offense classification, disciplinary record, program participation, changes in law, and individual case factors.

For official information, visit the Indiana Department of Correction website. Always consult with a qualified Indiana criminal defense attorney for accurate legal guidance about your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does credit time work in Indiana?

Indiana's credit time system under IC § 35-50-6 allows inmates to earn sentence reduction credits based on their assigned credit class (A, B, C, or D). Class A earns 1 day credit per day served (~50% time), Class B earns 1 day per 3 days (~75% time), Class C earns 1 day per 6 days (~85.7% time), and Class D earns no credit (100% time). Most non-violent Level 5 felony offenders receive Class B credit.

How much time is served on a 6-year Level 5 Felony?

On a 6-year Level 5 Felony sentence with Class B credit (most common for non-violent offenses), an inmate typically serves approximately 4.5 years (54 months) with good behavior. Credit-restricted felons assigned Class D must serve the full 6 years. Actual time depends on jail credit, disciplinary record, and program participation.

Does county jail time count the same as IDOC?

Yes, pre-sentence jail time (time served in county jail before sentencing) is credited day-for-day against your imposed sentence under Indiana law. This jail credit is applied before calculating good time credits. For example, if you served 90 days in county jail before sentencing on a 3-year sentence, your remaining sentence for good time calculation would be 1,005 days (1,095 - 90).

👉 Calculate your estimated release date using the Indiana Level 5 Felony Calculator.