Kentucky Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Kentucky Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

In Kentucky, misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by up to 12 months in county or local jail.

Kentucky Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Kentucky has five felony levels: capitol offenses and Class A, B, C, and D felonies. Each class has a minimum and maximum penalty that guides sentencing decisions for judges.

Kentucky Criminal Statute of Limitations

Kentucky's statutes of limitations allow prosecutors to file felony charges at any time. The law only places time limits on misdemeanor charges and violations.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Kentucky

In Kentucky, your criminal record may be expunged -- that is, erased or sealed -- under the circumstances described below. If your record is expunged, it will be hidden from public view and, in most cases, you will not have to disclose that you were arrested or convicted of a crime.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Kentucky

Your Kentucky driver's license may be revoked or suspended for a variety of reasons. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you risk criminal charges and the possibility of fines or jail time.

Kentucky Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

Kentucky has minor in possession (MIP) laws designed to discourage minors from possessing or consuming alcohol. Here is a summary of some of Kentucky’s MIP laws and their penalties.

Kentucky Public Intoxication Laws

Laws punishing public intoxication vary widely among states. This article discusses Kentucky’s public intoxication law, but other alcohol-related issues may also apply to your case. For example, someone at a bar who has too much to drink, gets angry, and hits someone might also face assault charges. If that person leaves the bar and tries to drive, the driver can be arrested for drunk driving.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Kentucky

Kentucky classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as controlled dangerous substances (CDS), but also the compounds used to manufacture them. The penalties for CDS possession vary based on classification.

Kentucky Sale of a Controlled Substance Laws

All states regulate and control the sale of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for sale. Kentucky classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Kentucky Marijuana Laws

The possession and sale of any amount of marijuana is illegal in Kentucky, and potential penalties vary by the amount possessed or sold.

Kentucky Misdemeanor and Felony Theft

Like most states, Kentucky classifies any theft offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Auto Theft Laws in Kentucky

It is a crime in Kentucky to steal a vehicle or use someone else’s vehicle without permission (this is called joyriding).

Burglary and Criminal Trespass in Kentucky

Each state has its own laws defining burglary, attempted burglary, home invasion (the burglary of a dwelling), and trespass. And penalties vary according to the circumstances of the crime, as described below.

Weapons Charges in Kentucky

Learn about Kentucky’s open and conceal carry restrictions on guns, knives, and other deadly weapons, and the penalties for violating those restrictions.

Felony Assault in Kentucky

Learn how Kentucky defines and penalizes felony assault crimes, including first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree assaults.

Kentucky Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence crimes can result in misdemeanor or felony penalties in Kentucky. A judge may also order a restraining order against the defendant.

Cyberbullying in Kentucky

The school yard bully may have always been a teenage fact of life, but only recently has the Internet created cyberbullying—a new and potentially even more harmful form of this unfortunately too common part of teen social life. This article discusses Kentucky’s laws concerning cyberbullying—bullying

Fourth-Degree Assault in Kentucky

Learn how Kentucky law defines and punishes fourth-degree assault, including possible jail time and alternative sentencing options.

Kentucky Statutory Rape Laws

In Kentucky, the crime of statutory rape is committed by engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years old (the age of consent). It is also illegal to engage in other sexual activity with a child under age 16 or for a person in a position of trust or authority over a child to engage in sexual contact with a 16 or 17-year-old.