Source: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all
Timestamp: 2017-10-16 22:05:44
Document Index: 479739044

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 527', '§ 237', '§ 527', '§ 237', '§ 237', '§ 237', '§ 237', '§ 237', '§ 237', '§ 527', '§ 237', '§ 527', '§ 237', '§ 924', '§ 237']

WomensLaw.org | Kentucky: State Gun Laws |
http://www.womenslaw.org//laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-15730
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9439
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9447
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9444
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9440
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9442
Under Kentucky state law, if a convicted felon has a handgun in his/her possession, it is a Class C felony. Possession of any other firearm by a convicted felon is a Class D felony.* In addition, a person can be denied a license to carry concealed firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons (or if s/he already has a license to carry, it can be suspended or revoked) if any of the following apply:
s/he is a fugitive from justice.**
If the abuser has a license to carry a concealed firearms and then any of the above circumstances apply, s/he has to surrender his/her license or else it can be considered a Class A misdemeanor crime.***
Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser's right to have a gun if s/he was convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor. Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.
* KRS § 527.040(2)
** KRS § 237.110(4),(13)(a),(b)
Under Kentucky state law, if a convicted felon has a handgun in his/her possession, it is a Class C felony. Possession of any other firearm by a convicted felon is a Class D felony.* In addition, a person can be denied a license to carry concealed firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons (or if s/he already has a license to carry, it can be suspended or revoked) if any of the following apply: * s/he was convicted of a felony; * s/he is currently under indictment for a felony; * s/he was convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; * s/he was convicted of a misdemeanor crime related to controlled substances listed in Chapter 218A [http://www.lrc.ky.gov/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38267] (or similar laws of any other state relating to controlled substances) within the 3 years prior to filing the license application; * ​s/he has 2 or more convictions for DUI within the 3 years prior to filing the license application; or * s/he is a fugitive from justice.** If the abuser has a license to carry a concealed firearms and then any of the above circumstances apply, s/he has to surrender his/her license or else it can be considered a Class A misdemeanor crime.*** Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict an abuser's right to have a gun if s/he was convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor. Go to the Federal Gun Laws [/laws_state_type.php?statelaw_name=FederalGunLaws&state_code=US] page to get more information. * KRS § 527.040(2) ** KRS § 237.110(4),(13)(a),(b) *** KRS § 237.110(13)(i)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-16198
Domestic violence misdemeanor and felony records are open to the public, but they are not always easy to access. If you know the exact courthouse where the abuser may have been convicted, you can go to the courthouse and ask the clerk of court for access to those records. Domestic violence misdemeanor and felony records are also kept in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, no one other than law enforcement officials and licensed firearm sellers are allowed to search the NICS. Your local police department may be willing to search NICS for you if you ask, but they are not required to do so. To read more about the NICS, please see What will happen if the abuser tries to purchase a gun? [/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=9438#content-9454]
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9449
If the abuser's license to carry concealed firearms is suspended or revoked for any of the reasons mentioned in I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?, the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State Police will either:
direct the abuser to surrender the license to the sheriff within two business days of receiving the notice of suspension (and then send a law enforcement officer to seize it if s/he doesn't surrender it within that timeframe).* However, if the license is suspended due to an emergency protective order or a domestic violence order being issued, the abuser has to surrender that license to the court or to the law enforcement officer who serves him/her with the order** (which might happen before s/he gets the notice of suspension).
If the abuser doesn't surrender a suspended or revoked license as ordered, it is a Class A misdemeanor crime.***
Although the law is clear about what will happen to an abuser's license to carry concealed weapons if it is suspended or revoked, the law is less specific about what will happen to the abuser's actual firearms. The law says that during an emergency protective order or domestic violence order proceeding, the judge is supposed to "inform the respondent regarding the purchase of a firearm, and the surrender of same" as well as regarding the "confiscation, retention, and return of firearms."****
To find out how law enforcement or the courts in your county generally deal with the surrender of an abuser's actual firearms, you may want to talk to an advocate at your local domestic violence program. Go to our KY State and Local Programs page for a listing of organizations in your county.
* KRS § 237.110(13)(c),(h)
**** Kentucky FCRPP 13(6)
If the abuser's license to carry concealed firearms is suspended or revoked for any of the reasons mentioned in I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal? [/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY#content-9439], the commissioner of the Department of Kentucky State Police will either: * order any peace officer to seize (take) the license; or * direct the abuser to surrender the license to the sheriff within two business days of receiving the notice of suspension (and then send a law enforcement officer to seize it if s/he doesn't surrender it within that timeframe).* However, if the license is suspended due to an emergency protective order or a domestic violence order being issued, the abuser has to surrender that license to the court or to the law enforcement officer who serves him/her with the order** (which might happen before s/he gets the notice of suspension). If the abuser doesn't surrender a suspended or revoked license as ordered, it is a Class A misdemeanor crime.*** Although the law is clear about what will happen to an abuser's license to carry concealed weapons if it is suspended or revoked, the law is less specific about what will happen to the abuser's actual firearms. The law says that during an emergency protective order or domestic violence order proceeding, the judge is supposed to "inform the respondent regarding the purchase of a firearm, and the surrender of same" as well as regarding the "confiscation, retention, and return of firearms."**** To find out how law enforcement or the courts in your county generally deal with the surrender of an abuser's actual firearms, you may want to talk to an advocate at your local domestic violence program. Go to our KY State and Local Programs [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_id=1326&state_code=KY] page for a listing of organizations in your county. * KRS § 237.110(13)(c),(h) ** KRS § 237.110(13)(k) *** KRS § 237.110(13)(i) **** Kentucky FCRPP 13(6)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9450
A local domestic violence organization in your area may also be able to answer your questions and assist you in talking to the necessary law enforcement officials. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our KY State and Local Programs page.
If you think the abuser is violating state firearm laws, you can call your local police or sheriff department or the State Police. If you think the abuser is violating federal firearm laws, you can call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). You can find contact information for sheriff departments in your area on our KY Sheriff Departments [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=SheriffDepartments&state_code=KY] page. You can find ATF field offices in Kentucky on the ATF website [https://www.atf.gov/louisville-field-division/kentucky-field-offices]. For reporting illegal firearm activity, a person can also call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867). Many ATF offices have victim advocates on staff (called “victim/witness coordinators”) and so perhaps you may ask to speak one of these advocates if you are having a hard time connecting with (or receiving a call back from) an ATF officer. A local domestic violence organization in your area may also be able to answer your questions and assist you in talking to the necessary law enforcement officials. You will find contact information for organizations in your area on our KY State and Local Programs [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=StateandLocalPrograms&state_code=KY] page. Note: Generally, the abuser does not have to have knowledge of the law in order to be arrested for breaking the law. If the abuser has or buys a gun in violation of the law, the abuser can be arrested, whether or not s/he knows that s/he was in violation of the law.* * _United States v. Lippman_, 369 F. 3d 1039 (8th Cir. 2004); _United States v. Henson_, 55 F. Supp. 2d 528 (S.D. W.V. 1999)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9451
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9454
back to topWhat is the penalty for violating the state or federal firearm laws?
Under Kentucky state law, if a convicted felon has a handgun in his/her possession, it is a Class C felony and s/he can be sentenced to between 5 and 10 years in prison, a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000, or both. Possession of any other firearm by a convicted felon is a Class D felony, and s/he can be sentenced to between 1 and 5 years in prison, a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000, or both.*
In addition, if the abuser's license to carry concealed firearms is suspended or revoked for any of the reasons mentioned in I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?, and s/he doesn't surrender the license as s/he is ordered to do, it can be a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor can be up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.**
Also, anyone who owns, has or buys a gun in violation of the federal firearm law can be punished by a fine, jail time for up to 10 years, or both.*** Go to the Federal Gun Laws page to get more information.
* KRS §§ 527.040(2); 532.060(c),(d); 534.030(1)
** KRS §§ 237.110(13)(i); 534.040(1); 532.090(1)
Under Kentucky state law, if a convicted felon has a handgun in his/her possession, it is a Class C felony and s/he can be sentenced to between 5 and 10 years in prison, a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000, or both. Possession of any other firearm by a convicted felon is a Class D felony, and s/he can be sentenced to between 1 and 5 years in prison, a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000, or both.* In addition, if the abuser's license to carry concealed firearms is suspended or revoked for any of the reasons mentioned in I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal? [/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY#content-9439], and s/he doesn't surrender the license as s/he is ordered to do, it can be a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty for a Class A misdemeanor can be up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.** Also, anyone who owns, has or buys a gun in violation of the federal firearm law can be punished by a fine, jail time for up to 10 years, or both.*** Go to the Federal Gun Laws [/laws_state_type.php?statelaw_name=FederalGunLaws&state_code=US] page to get more information. * KRS §§ 527.040(2); 532.060(c),(d); 534.030(1) ** KRS §§ 237.110(13)(i); 534.040(1); 532.090(1) *** 18 USC § 924(a)(2)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9452
back to topI do not have a domestic violence order against the abuser and s/he has not been convicted of a crime. Can s/he carry a gun?
Even if none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Staying Safe page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our KY State and Local Programs page for referrals.
Possibly not. Even if you do not have a domestic violence order against the abuser and s/he has not been convicted of any crime, it can still be illegal for him/her to have a gun under the following circumstances. Under Kentucky state law, a person can be denied a license to carry concealed firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons (or if s/he already has a license to carry, it can be suspended or revoked) if any of the following apply: * s/he is not a resident of Kentucky (although if s/he is on active military duty and is assigned to a military post in Kentucky at the time of the application, that is considered a resident for these purposes); * s/he is not a U.S. citizen or is not lawfully admitted to the U.S.; * s/he is under 21 years old; * s/he is currently under indictment for a felony (but has not yet been convicted); * s/he is a fugitive from justice; * s/he is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance (drug); * s/he was adjudicated as a "mental defective" or s/he has been committed to a mental institution; * s/he was illegally or unlawfully in the United States; * s/he was admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa (there are limited exceptions to this); * s/he was discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; * s/he was a citizen of the United States but renounced (gave up) his/her citizenship; * s/he was committed to a state or federal facility for the abuse of a controlled substance within the 3 years prior to filing the license application; * ​s/he chronically and habitually uses alcohol, which can be shown by having been committed as an alcoholic within the 3 years prior to filing the license application; or * s/he owes unpaid child support that is equal to or more than 1 year's worth of payments or s/he has not complied with any subpoena or warrant relating to child support or paternity proceedings (the license would only be denied under these circumstances if the Cabinet for Health and Family Services notifies the Department of Kentucky State Police of the arrears or failure to comply with the subpoena/warrant).* Even if none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Staying Safe [/simple.php?sitemap_id=3] page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our KY State and Local Programs [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=State%20and%20Local%20Programs&state_code=KY] page for referrals. For additional information on gun laws in Kentucky, you can go to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence [http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-laws/state-law/Kentucky/] website. * KRS § 237.110(4),(13)(a),(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9453
Contact a local domestic violence organization in your area - see our KY State and Local Programs page.
Trying to understand both federal and state law can be confusing but there are people out there who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law. You can: * Contact the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to get more information about the firearm laws and how they apply to your situation: 1-800-903-0111 x 2. * Contact a local domestic violence organization in your area - see our KY State and Local Programs [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=State%20and%20Local%20Programs&state_code=KY] page. * Write to our Email Hotline [/contactus.php].
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=276&state_code=KY&open_id=all〈=en#content-9458