Kentucky Legal Guidance

This section collects general guidance about how Kentucky criminal cases work: what to expect at each stage, what your rights are, and how to choose a lawyer. None of it is legal advice about your own case, which is something only a lawyer who knows the facts can give you.

Three things people get wrong

Nothing on this site creates a lawyer-client relationship, and nothing here is privileged.
If you have been arrested or have a court date, the single most useful thing you can do is stop talking about the case and speak to a defense lawyer.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, the Department of Public Advocacy represents Kentuckians who qualify.

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