KRS 502.020: Liability for Conduct of Another in Kentucky

What Is KRS 502.020?

KRS 502.020 is Kentucky’s complicity statute. It establishes when a person can be held criminally liable for conduct committed by another person. People in Lexington and Louisville sometimes face serious charges for crimes they didn’t physically commit but allegedly helped facilitate.

When Complicity Applies

You can be charged as an accomplice when, with the intent of promoting or facilitating a crime, you:

Solicit, command, or engage another to commit the crime
Aid, counsel, or attempt to aid another in committing the crime
Have a legal duty to prevent the crime and fail to do so

Equal Liability

An accomplice is generally liable for the same offense as the principal. If you help plan a robbery, you can be charged with robbery — not just helping someone rob.

Common Scenarios

Driving the getaway car
Standing as a lookout
Providing weapons or tools
Helping plan the offense
Encouraging the crime

Defenses to Complicity

Mere presence isn’t enough — there must be active participation
Lack of intent to promote the crime
Lack of knowledge of the crime
Withdrawal from participation before the crime

Felony Murder Implications

Under Kentucky’s felony murder rule, accomplices to certain felonies can be charged with murder if a death occurs during the crime — even if they didn’t personally cause the death.

Clark + Harris Defends Complicity 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: