Weapons Charges in Kentucky — KRS 527

Kentucky Weapons Charges — KRS 527

Weapons charges in Kentucky range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the circumstances. If you have been charged with a weapons offense under KRS Chapter 527, you face potential prison time, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record. Clark + Harris provides experienced defense representation for weapons charges throughout Kentucky.

Understanding Kentucky Weapons Statutes

Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon — KRS 527.020: It is unlawful for a person to carry a concealed deadly weapon on or about their person without a license, unless exempt. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses. Note that Kentucky is a constitutional carry state as of 2019, meaning law-abiding citizens 21 and older may carry concealed firearms without a permit. However, this right does not extend to persons prohibited from possessing firearms.

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon — KRS 527.040: A person convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing, manufacturing, or transporting a firearm. This is a Class D felony for the first offense and a Class C felony for subsequent offenses, carrying five to ten years in prison.

Possession of a Defaced Firearm — KRS 527.050: Possessing a firearm with altered or removed serial numbers is a Class D felony.

Unlawful Possession of a Weapon on School Property — KRS 527.070: Possessing a weapon on school grounds is a Class D felony.

Defenses to Kentucky Weapons Charges

Clark + Harris examines every weapons case for viable defenses. Common defense strategies include challenging illegal searches and seizures that produced the weapon, arguing that the defendant had a legal right to possess the weapon, demonstrating that the defendant was unaware of the weapon’s presence, challenging the prior felony conviction used to establish felon-in-possession status, and arguing that the search warrant was defective.

Many weapons charges arise from traffic stops and searches. Clark + Harris has extensive experience challenging the constitutionality of stops and searches in weapons cases. If the weapon was discovered through an illegal search, we file motions to suppress the evidence.

Federal Firearms Charges

Weapons offenses can also be prosecuted federally under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which prohibits felons, domestic violence offenders, and other disqualified persons from possessing firearms. Federal firearms charges carry harsher penalties than state charges. Clark + Harris also defends clients facing federal weapons charges in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

Contact Clark + Harris for Kentucky Weapons Defense

If you are facing weapons charges in Kentucky, contact Clark + Harris immediately.

Call Clark + Harris today at 859-474-0001 for a confidential consultation. We defend clients against weapons charges throughout Kentucky.

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:

Weapons Charges in Kentucky — KRS 527 | Clark + Harris