Skip to main content
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Kentucky Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

A statute of limitations is a law that prohibits the district attorney or prosecutor from charging you with a crime that was committed longer ago than the statute allows. In most states, misdemeanors have shorter time limits than felonies and at least some felonies, such as murder or sex crimes against children, have no time limit.

Kentucky's time limits are quite simple. Essentially, felonies have no limit and misdemeanors have a one-year limit. For more details, see the table below that outlines the criminal statute of limitations in Kentucky.

State Kentucky
Topic Criminal statute of limitations
Definition A statute of limitations tells you the time frame when the prosecution must bring a charge for a crime.
Code Sections Kentucky Revised Statutes section 500.050
Felonies There is no time limit for any felony.
Misdemeanors Cases for misdemeanors must be started within 1 year.
Crimes in Which a Child Is a Victim If the victim of a misdemeanor sexual offense (under Kentucky Revised Statutes section 510.010 et seq.) is a minor at the time of the crime, the case must start within 5 years of the victim's 18th birthday.
Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run n/a
Other n/a

Note: Because state laws change regularly, it's important to verify the laws you're researching by conducting your own legal research or contacting a knowledgeable Kentucky defense attorney.

Research the Law

Related Resources

Need More Help? Find a Kentucky Defense Attorney

If you're concerned about prosecution for a crime you've committed, you may wish to consult with an experienced Kentucky criminal defense attorney. Lawyers have ethical guidelines that prohibit them from sharing their clients' secrets. In addition, the attorney-client privilege applies so your lawyer or former lawyer can't testify against you unless it's to rebut your claim of his or her ethical wrongdoing or a fee-related dispute (such as to prove the number of hours he or she worked on your case when you refuse to pay based on failure to work on your case).

Was this helpful?

Thank you. Your response has been sent.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney

Contact a qualified attorney.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
  • Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Kentucky attorneys offer free consultations.

 

 If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options