Some Basics On Kentucky’s Felony Crimes

In Kentucky, felony charges arise when you commit a crime that is considered quite serious in the eyes of the law. If faced with a felony charge, you risk facing harsh consequences. However, the exact punishment you suffer for a felony conviction will mainly depend on which Class the crime you are convicted of falls under.

Generally, felonies in Kentucky are punishable by at least one year in prison, fines, or both. In some severe cases, a person can even be sentenced to life in prison for committing a felony offense. Because of the harsh penalties associated with felony crimes in Kentucky, it is crucial that you speak to a skilled criminal defense attorney if you or a loved one stand accused of committing a felony.

Classes of Felonies in Kentucky

In Kentucky, felonies are categorized into four main classes:

Class A Felonies

Class A felonies are the most serious of all felonies. Examples of Class A felonies in Kentucky include;

• Murder
• Raping a child under the age of twelve

Class A felonies in Kentucky are punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison or life imprisonment.

Murder can be both a felony and a capital offense in Kentucky. Capital offenses carry the possibility of a death sentence.

Class B Felonies

Class B felonies in Kentucky include;

• Sex crimes, such as rape
• First-degree assault
• First-degree manslaughter

Class B felonies in Kentucky are punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison

Class C Felonies

Examples of Class C felonies include;

• Unauthorized and unlawful use of a computer
• Second-degree manslaughter
• Trafficking in a controlled substance

Class C felonies in Kentucky are punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison.

Class D Felonies

These are the lowest Class of felony in Kentucky. However, it is crucial to note that Class D felonies are still serious crimes and carry harsh consequences. Examples of Class D felonies include;

• Possession of a controlled substance in the first degree
• Cultivating five or more marijuana plants
• Wanton endangerment in the first degree

Class D felonies in Kentucky are punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.

Fines

According to the law, individuals convicted of felonies in the state of Kentucky can be made to pay fines ranging between $1,000 and $10,000 or double any gain from commission of an offense, whichever is greater.

Expungement of Felony Convictions

In Kentucky, only certain felony convictions may be vacated and the records expunged. According to the Kentucky State Police, most Class D felony convictions (with limited exceptions) are eligible for expungement. According to Kentucky law, some of the felonies that are eligible for expungement in Kentucky include;

• Unlawful use of DNA database identification system
• Criminal possession of a forged prescription
• Possession of a controlled substance in the first degree
• Possession of a controlled substance in the second degree
• Possession of a controlled substance in the third degree
• Criminal possession of a medical record

It is crucial to note that a felony charge where you are not found guilty or that is dismissed with prejudice may be expunged at any time.

Lastly, an important thing to keep in mind is that felonies do not have a statute of limitations. A felony charge can be filed at any time.

Contact a London Felony Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a felony in London or Southeast Kentucky, contact a London felony defense attorney at the Cessna & George Law Firm at 606-770-5400 to get legal help.

Resource:

law.cornell.edu/wex/capital_offense