Kentucky Firearms Charges: Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Kentucky Concealed Carry Law and Criminal Charges

Kentucky became a permitless-carry state in 2019, allowing most lawful adults to carry concealed firearms without a Concealed Carry of Deadly Weapons (CCDW) license. But this doesn’t mean firearms carry is unrestricted. Specific locations, certain categories of people, and particular circumstances still trigger criminal charges for firearms offenses. Whether your case is in Louisville, Lexington, or anywhere in Kentucky, Clark + Harris defends Kentucky firearms charges.

Kentucky Firearms Statutes

Kentucky firearms offenses are found throughout the statutes, with primary provisions including:

KRS 527.040: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — Class D felony (Class C for violent offenders)
KRS 527.050: Possession of a defaced firearm — Class A misdemeanor
KRS 527.070: Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property — Class D felony
KRS 527.100: Possession of a firearm on school premises, school bus, or at school events — Class D felony
KRS 237.110: Regulations on CCDW licensure and violations

Felon in Possession

One of the most common Kentucky firearms charges is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Under KRS 527.040, any person with a prior felony conviction (state or federal, Kentucky or elsewhere) is prohibited from possessing firearms. Federal law at 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) creates similar prohibitions and allows federal prosecution, often with more severe sentencing exposure than state court.

Firearms in Prohibited Places

Kentucky restricts firearms in schools, courthouses, detention facilities, secure areas of airports, and certain other locations. Violations carry felony penalties. These prohibitions apply regardless of CCDW status and often catch lawful gun owners by surprise.

Federal Firearms Disabilities

Federal law creates several categories of prohibited persons under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g): convicted felons, those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence (the Lautenberg Amendment), those subject to protective orders, drug users, those adjudicated mentally defective, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged military members, those who renounced U.S. citizenship, and fugitives. Possession by prohibited persons carries federal penalties up to 10 years.

Defending Firearms Charges

Defense strategies include constitutional challenges to searches that produced the firearm, challenging the “possession” element (particularly in shared vehicle and residence cases), challenging the knowledge element (did the defendant know the weapon was there?), and Second Amendment arguments that have gained traction after recent Supreme Court decisions. Louisville and Lexington firearms cases require attorneys who understand the rapidly evolving Second Amendment landscape.

Contact Clark + Harris for Firearms Defense

Kentucky firearms charges carry serious consequences that demand experienced defense. Clark + Harris represents clients throughout Lexington, Louisville, and across Kentucky.

Call 859-474-0001 today for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

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