Domestic Violence Charges in Kentucky

Kentucky does not have a single offense called domestic violence. A domestic incident is normally charged as assault, and the domestic relationship then drives a separate enhancement, a protective order, and firearm consequences that outlast the criminal case.

What the statute carries

Underlying charge	Most often assault in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Enhancement	KRS 508.032 enhances repeat domestic assault offenses

Source: KRS 508.030, KRS 508.032. Checked 2026-09-20.

Three things people get wrong

A third or subsequent fourth-degree assault against a family member within five years can be enhanced to a Class D felony under KRS 508.032.
The complaining witness does not control the prosecution. Only the county or Commonwealth's attorney can dismiss a charge, which is why cases proceed even when the alleged victim asks to drop them.
A protective order is a civil proceeding with its own hearing and its own consequences, and it can issue whether or not the criminal charge succeeds.

Questions people ask about this charge

How Kentucky grades an offense

Grade	Prison or jail	Fine
Class A felony	20 to 50 years, or life	$1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain
Class B felony	10 to 20 years	$1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain
Class C felony	5 to 10 years	$1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain
Class D felony	1 to 5 years	$1,000 to $10,000, or double the gain
Class A misdemeanor	Up to 12 months	Up to $500
Class B misdemeanor	Up to 90 days	Up to $250
Violation	No jail	Up to $250