What Weapons Can a Felon Own in Kentucky?
Kentucky, like many other states, has laws that regulate the possession and ownership of firearms by felons. In Kentucky, the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. However, there are some exceptions and limitations to this rule.
What is a Felon?
Before we dive into the specifics of what weapons a felon can own in Kentucky, it’s essential to define what a felon is. A felon is an individual who has been convicted of a felony offense, which is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. In Kentucky, the list of felony offenses is extensive and includes crimes such as murder, robbery, burglary, and drug-related offenses.
Kentucky’s Felon in Possession of a Firearm Statute
Kentucky’s felon in possession of a firearm statute is outlined in KRS 503.060. This statute makes it illegal for any person who has been convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm. The statute applies to any firearm, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and even BB guns.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the statute makes it illegal for a felon to possess a firearm, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example:
- Active-duty military personnel: Felons who are serving in the military are exempt from the statute.
- Firearm dealers: Felons who are licensed firearms dealers are exempt from the statute, but they must still comply with all other federal and state laws regulating firearms.
- Hunting and sport shooting: Felons who are participating in hunting and sport shooting activities are exempt from the statute, but they must still comply with all other federal and state laws regulating firearms.
Weapons a Felon Can Own in Kentucky
While a felon cannot possess a firearm in Kentucky, there are some weapons that a felon can own that are not considered firearms. These weapons include:
- Bows and arrows: Felons can own and possess bows and arrows, as long as they are not used to hunt or target animals.
- Martial arts equipment: Felons can own and possess martial arts equipment, such as karate belts, nunchucks, and throwing stars.
- Air guns: Felons can own and possess air guns, such as BB guns and pellet guns, as long as they are not converted to fire live ammunition.
Table: Weapons a Felon Can Own in Kentucky
| Weapon | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bows and arrows | Can be owned and possessed for recreational use only | Must not be used to hunt or target animals |
| Martial arts equipment | Can be owned and possessed for martial arts training only | Must not be used for hunting or self-defense |
| Air guns | Can be owned and possessed for recreational use only | Must not be converted to fire live ammunition |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a felon cannot possess a firearm in Kentucky, there are some exceptions and limitations to the rule. Felons can own and possess certain weapons, such as bows and arrows, martial arts equipment, and air guns, as long as they are not used for hunting or self-defense. It’s essential for felons to understand the laws and regulations governing the possession and ownership of weapons in Kentucky to avoid violating the law and facing serious consequences.
