KRS 508.140: Stalking in the First Degree

What Is KRS 508.140?

KRS 508.140 is Kentucky’s first-degree stalking statute. It applies when stalking conduct occurs in violation of a protective order or under other aggravating circumstances. People in Lexington and Louisville face these felony charges in cases involving alleged ongoing harassment of victims.

What the Statute Prohibits

A person commits first-degree stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, intimidates, or harasses, and which serves no legitimate purpose, and:

A protective order is in effect
A threat of physical injury or sexual contact is made
The defendant has prior stalking convictions

Penalties Under KRS 508.140

Class D felony: 1 to 5 years in prison
Possible additional charges for protective order violations
Substantial fines

What Is “Course of Conduct”?

A course of conduct means two or more acts occurring over a period of time, however short. A single incident is not stalking — it requires a pattern.

Defenses Available

Conduct served a legitimate purpose
Lack of intent to alarm or harass
No course of conduct (only isolated incidents)
Mistaken identity
Communications were consensual

Online Stalking

Increasingly, stalking charges arise from social media monitoring, repeated messages, or online harassment. Clark + Harris handles digital stalking cases.

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

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