KRS 525.080: Harassment in Kentucky

What Is KRS 525.080?

KRS 525.080 is Kentucky’s harassment statute. It covers behavior that doesn’t rise to the level of assault but is intended to alarm, annoy, or distress another person. People in Lexington and Louisville frequently face harassment charges arising from disputes with neighbors, ex-partners, and acquaintances.

What the Statute Prohibits

A person commits harassment when, with intent to intimidate, harass, annoy, or alarm another person, they:

Strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject the person to physical contact
Attempt or threaten such physical contact
Engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys
Make a threat of unlawful conduct

Penalties Under KRS 525.080

Violation: Fines up to $250 (most cases)
Class B misdemeanor: If physical contact occurred — up to 90 days in jail

Common Scenarios

Neighbor disputes
Workplace conflicts
Ex-partner contact disputes
Online harassment that crosses into real-world contact

Defenses Available

Lack of intent to harass
First Amendment protected speech
The conduct was not truly alarming
Mistaken identity

Connection to DVOs and EPOs

Harassment charges are often paired with Domestic Violence Orders or Emergency Protective Orders. Clark + Harris handles both criminal and protective order 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

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful: