December 30, 2021 | Criminal Defense
A felony is the most serious type of crime. These crimes involve a potential prison sentence of over a year. This makes them different from a misdemeanor crime, which are punishable by a maximum sentence of only a year or less of jail.
What are the Different Classes of Felonies in Kentucky?
There are five different classes of felonies in Kentucky. The five classifications, in order from most to least serious in Louisville, are:
- Capital Felonies: Death sentence or life sentence
- Class A Felonies: 20 – 50 years prison
- Class B Felonies: 10 – 20 years prison
- Class C Felonies: 5 – 10 years prison
- Class D Felonies: 1 – 5 years prison
A felony conviction also carries a possible fine of $1,000 – $10,000. Additionally, after release from prison, felons are subject to extended community supervision known as parole.
Parole comes with many conditions, and failing to follow the terms of parole can lead to an arrest warrant and reincarceration. Some common examples of parole conditions include:
- Avoiding new legal violations
- No contact with victims
- Maintaining employment
- Payment of restitution
- Drug & alcohol testing
- Completion of a treatment program
Parolees often need to meet with a parole officer periodically. Everyone’s parole conditions are different, and a parolee will be informed of the conditions imposed on them at the time of their release from prison.
If you are convicted of a felony sex crime, you will be required to register as a sex offender with the state of Kentucky. Registered sex offenders are subject to additional conditions, such as restrictions on where you can live and work, restrictions on internet use, and restrictions on contact with minors. Convicted sex offenders also have their name in a public database.
What are Examples of Each Classification of Felony in Kentucky?
You may be wondering what crimes fall into these classifications of felonies. If you are charged with a crime, you will receive a criminal complaint in court. The criminal complaint will contain the statute you are charged with violating, and it will specify what type of felony that is. It should also clearly state the minimum and maximum penalties you are facing.
It is important to work closely with a criminal defense attorney to make sure you understand the severity of the allegations against you.
The following list gives you a general idea of what types of crimes fall into each class of felony in Kentucky:
- Capital Felonies: Murder; Kidnapping that results in the death of the victim
- Class A Felonies: Rape of child under 12; kidnapping causing serious injury
- Class B Felonies: Robbery in the First Degree; Burglary in the First Degree; Assault in the First Degree; Rape in the First Degree
- Class C Felonies: Bribery; Child Pornography (under age 12); Robbery in 2nd Degree; Burglary in the 2nd Degree; Assault in the 2nd Degree; Rape in the Second Degree
- Class D Felonies: Child Pornography (under age 18); Burglary in the Third Degree; Assault in the 3rd Degree; Rape in the Third Degree
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. But as you can see, every crime has a different classification. Each of these crimes has unique elements that change whether it is charged as First, Second, or Third Degree. The unique allegations against you will dictate how harsh the charges against you are.
If you have been charged with a felony in Louisville Kentucky, do not talk to the police. Invoke your right to remain silent, then call a criminal defense attorney for help.
Contact the Louisville Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (502) 371-7000 or visit us at our Louisville law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Louisville
214 Clay Street, Suite A
Louisville, KY 40202
United States
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