What is the maximum sentence for domestic violence in Kentucky?

Under KRS § 508.032 (Class A Misdemeanor; Class D Felony (third+ within 5 years or strangulation)), Kentucky domestic violence carries a maximum sentence of 12 months (Class A); 5 years (Class D) and a maximum fine of $500 (Class A); $10,000 (Class D).

Does Kentucky have a mandatory minimum for domestic violence?

Kentucky does not impose a blanket mandatory minimum for simple domestic violence. Specific charges or enhancements may carry their own minimums.

What factors enhance a domestic violence charge in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, domestic violence penalties can be enhanced by: Third or subsequent within 5 years (Class D Felony under § 508.032); Strangulation (Class D Felony under § 508.032(2)).

Kentucky Domestic Violence Law

Kentucky Domestic Violence Defense

What you're facing under KRS § 508.032, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Kentucky (KY) domestic violence law.

Offense Class

Class A Misdemeanor; Class D Felony (third+ within 5 years or strangulation)

Maximum Penalty

12 months (Class A); 5 years (Class D)

Maximum Fine

$500 (Class A); $10,000 (Class D)

⚠

Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)

A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Kentucky carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Kentucky state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.

Penalty Range in Kentucky

StatuteKRS § 508.032 — Assault in the Fourth Degree — Domestic Violence

Minimum Penalty

Maximum Penalty12 months (Class A); 5 years (Class D)

Maximum Fine$500 (Class A); $10,000 (Class D)

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Kentucky:

Third or subsequent within 5 years (Class D Felony under § 508.032)
Strangulation (Class D Felony under § 508.032(2))

Kentucky-Specific Detail

Kentucky has a specific domestic violence assault statute. Strangulation was elevated to a felony in recent legislation. Mandatory arrest. Emergency protective order automatically issued.

Is your Kentucky domestic violence case defense on track?

The free Defense Score checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to domestic violence cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how the next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download, relevant to Kentucky defendants.

Get the Playbook — $127

Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Kentucky domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.