Felony in Kentucky
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Kentucky defines felonies as crimes punishable by at least two years imprisonment, slightly higher than the federal standard.
How Kentucky treats Felony
Kentucky classifies felonies into five classes (A through E), with Class A felonies carrying sentences of 20 years to life. A conviction becomes a felony based on the sentence imposed by statute, not the actual sentence handed down. Kentucky also recognizes persistent felony offender status for repeat convictions, which can enhance sentences significantly.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky.