Kentucky Concealed Weapon Charges

As of March 2011, there is new legislation pending in the State Senate in Frankfort, Kentucky. Currently, the law allows Kentucky residents to keep a firearm in their vehicle without having a concealed weapons permit if it’s stored in the glove box. If this bill gets passed, it would expand the definition of where the firearm can be kept, such as in any enclosed compartment. Kentucky is a “shall issue” state, which means that the sheriff’s office will issue a permit to a resident who meets the necessary requirements. He must be able to pass a both a state and federal background check.

Kentucky Weapons Laws

The State of Kentucky does not require a permit to purchase or own a shotgun, rifle or handgun. Before a concealed weapons permit will be issued, the applicant must complete an eight hour firearms safety course that includes actual range firing of a handgun. Even with a concealed carry permit, weapons are not allowed in any of the following areas:

• Any sheriff’s office or police station
• Any prison, jail or detention facility
• Any courthouse, courtroom or any place a court proceeding is underway
• All elementary and secondary schools
• Childcare or daycare facility
• Anywhere a government meeting takes place
• Establishments that primarily serve alcoholic beverages
• Airport areas that have restricted access
• Any place where firearms are prohibited by federal law

Kentucky allows residents to purchase and possess machine guns as long as they are legally registered.

Violations

Gun owners are not required to obtain a permit to purchase or own a handgun, rifle or shotgun.

Plea Options

Once a defendant has been formally charged with a crime, the judge will ask them to enter a plea. There are three options to choose from, which are guilty, not guilty or no contest. The best choice is to enter a plea of guilty, which allows time for the defendant to find out how much evidence the prosecution has against them. They can work out a plea bargain at a later date if the accused and prosecutor can come to an agreement regarding the disposition of the case.

Legal Advice from a Kentucky Criminal Defense Attorney

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, his main goal is to keep you out of jail. He may be able  to get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether for lack of evidence. In some cases, probation may be an option for people without a prior criminal record. Contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with a crime.