What Is KRS 508.045?
KRS 508.045 applies to assaults committed by inmates against jail or prison staff and other inmates. Charges under this statute add to whatever sentence the defendant is already serving — often dramatically. People in Lexington, Louisville, and Kentucky correctional facilities face these charges in many circumstances.
What the Statute Prohibits
It is unlawful for an inmate to assault:
- Corrections officers
- Jail or prison employees
- Other inmates (in some circumstances)
- Medical staff at detention facilities
Penalties Under KRS 508.045
- Felony charges in most cases
- Sentence runs consecutively to existing sentence
- Loss of good time credits
- Disciplinary segregation
Common Scenarios
- Striking corrections officers during searches
- Throwing bodily fluids at staff
- Fights with other inmates
- Resistance during cell extractions
Defenses Available
- Self-defense against excessive force
- Defense of others
- Mistaken identity
- Disputing whether contact was intentional
The Cycle of Additional Charges
Inmate assault charges can trap people in escalating cycles of incarceration. Clark + Harris defends inmates throughout Kentucky correctional facilities.
Call 859-474-0001 — 24/7.
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
If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:
- KRS 218A.275: Pretrial Diversion for Drug Possession Offenses
- KRS 508.070: Wanton Endangerment in the Second Degree
- KRS 516.020: Forgery in the First Degree
- KRS 528.030: Promoting Gambling in the First Degree
- KRS 508.120: Criminal Abuse in the Third Degree