Some Basics On Kentucky’s Misdemeanor Crimes
Unfortunately, being convicted of a misdemeanor crime in Kentucky can affect your life in ways beyond jail time and fines. For example, if convicted of a misdemeanor crime, you might experience problems when looking for a job. So, if you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Kentucky, we urge you to reach out to a skilled Kentucky criminal defense attorney for help.
Misdemeanor Crimes in Kentucky
Misdemeanor crimes are lesser crimes than felonies. A misdemeanor is generally a minor wrongdoing. Nevertheless, just because misdemeanors are considered minor wrongdoings doesn’t mean that misdemeanor charges should be taken lightly. As already mentioned, a misdemeanor conviction can affect your life in many ways beyond fines and jail time. Many employers, for example, are looking for employees with a clean criminal record. So, a misdemeanor charge or conviction on your criminal history can prevent you from landing your dream job. Because of this, it is quite important that you obey the law and avoid being charged in the first place. However, even if you are charged, remember that there are many possible defenses a defense attorney can use in your case to help you get a favorable outcome.
In the state of Kentucky, misdemeanor crimes are categorized into two main categories;
- Class A misdemeanors
- Class B misdemeanors
Class A Misdemeanors
A Class A misdemeanor is generally more serious than a Class B misdemeanor. Examples of Class A misdemeanors in Kentucky include, among many others;
- Forgery in the third degree
- Promoting prostitution
- Assault in the fourth degree
- Sexual misconduct
- Possession of four or fewer marijuana plants
- Possession of burglar’s tools
- Violation of a protective order
Class A misdemeanors in the state of Kentucky are punishable by up to twelve months in jail, a fine not exceeding $500, or both.
Class B Misdemeanors
In Kentucky, Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine not exceeding $250, or both. Examples of Class B misdemeanors in Kentucky include, among many others;
- Second-degree trespass
- Public intoxication
- Resisting arrest
- Prostitution
- Menacing
Expungement of Misdemeanor Records in Kentucky
Often, arrests, charges, or convictions show up during background checks. If you don’t ask for expungement, THE chances are, the arrest, charge, or conviction will remain on your criminal history indefinitely. Fortunately, when it comes to misdemeanor cases, Kentucky allows people to apply to expunge an unlimited number of charges. In Kentucky, expungement is the legal process where an arrest, charge, or conviction is completely removed from an individual’s record.
Nevertheless, it is crucial for you to note that there is a waiting period for misdemeanor expungement, which is usually five years from the time a person completes their sentence.
Statute of Limitations
According to KRS § 500.050, the prosecution of a misdemeanor offense must be commenced within one year after the offense is committed. However, in the case of a sex offense misdemeanor involving a minor, the prosecution will take place ten years after the victim reaches the age of eighteen.
Contact a London Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense in London or surrounding communities in Southeast Kentucky, call a London misdemeanor defense attorney at the Cessna & George Law Firm at 606-770-5400 for insightful and effective criminal defense.
Resource:
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50742
