Violent Crime Attorney in Kentucky

Assault charges involve the intentional or wanton infliction of physical injury upon another.

• Assault in the First Degree (KRS 508.010): Intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person; or Wantonly causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. This is a Class B Felony.
• Assault in the Second Degree (KRS 508.020): Intentionally causing physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or Wantonly causing physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or Intentionally causing physical injury to a peace officer or other specified public official while they are performing their duties. This is a Class C Felony.
• Assault in the Third Degree (KRS 508.025): Intentionally causing physical injury to a police officer, peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, or correctional officer performing their duties. This is a Class D Felony.
• Assault in the Fourth Degree (KRS 508.030): Intentionally or wantonly causing physical injury to another person; or Recklessly causing physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or Causing physical contact with another person knowing that the person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative. This is a Class A Misdemeanor, but can be a Class D Felony if specific aggravating factors are present (e.g., prior DV conviction, victim is a child).

Robbery (KRS 508.060)

• Robbery in the First Degree: In the course of committing theft, a person uses or threatens to use physical force on another person with the intent to accomplish the theft, and in the commission of the theft, the person causes physical injury to any person, or is armed with a deadly weapon, or uses or threatens the immediate use of a dangerous instrument. This is a Class B Felony.
• Robbery in the Second Degree: In the course of committing theft, a person uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force upon another person with the intent to accomplish the theft. This is a Class C Felony.

Kidnapping (KRS 509.040)

Unlawful restraint of another person with specific intent, such as to hold for ransom, inflict physical injury, or facilitate a felony. This is a Class A Felony.

Arson (KRS 513.020 et seq.)

Maliciously setting fire to property, especially dwellings or buildings with persons inside.

Domestic Violence (KRS Chapter 508, 507, 510, etc.)

While not a standalone crime, domestic violence is an aggravating factor that enhances penalties for various violent offenses when committed against a family member or household member. Often results in charges like Assault IV (DV) or Felony Assault (DV).

Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in Kentucky

A violent crime conviction in Kentucky brings devastating and often permanent consequences beyond direct legal penalties, such as prison time and high fines. It results in a permanent criminal record that typically cannot be expunged, severely limiting future employment opportunities and likely leading to the revocation or denial of professional licenses, effectively ending many careers. Individuals will also face significant housing difficulties and educational limitations, impacting access to rental properties, student aid, and university admissions.

Furthermore, a violent felony conviction entails the loss of civil rights, including voting and firearm possession. It carries a profound and enduring social stigma and isolation, affecting personal relationships and community standing, and can lead to travel restrictions to many foreign countries. Such convictions also almost certainly impact child custody and family law proceedings, and for sex-related violent crimes, necessitate mandatory sex offender registration, adding another layer of permanent public disclosure and restriction.