Experienced Frankfort Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Last updated on March 26, 2026

Kentucky’s legal framework surrounding sex crimes is complex and unforgiving, with potential consequences that can permanently impact your personal and professional life. When facing such serious accusations in Frankfort, the stakes are incredibly high, and the need for strategic legal representation becomes critical.

True Guarnieri Ayer, LLP, continues to stand as a steadfast defender for individuals confronting sex crime charges in Frankfort and throughout Central Kentucky. With 130 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand the delicate complexities of criminal defense. With that, we are prepared to provide aggressive, compassionate representation tailored to your unique situation.

Trusted Defense Against Sex Charges In Kentucky

Our firm recognizes the profound impact a sex crime accusation can have. These charges threaten not only your liberty but also your livelihood and reputation. Our extensive experience enables us to construct a robust defense, drawing upon a proven history of achieving favorable verdicts and dismissals.

We address a range of offenses, including:

Rape

• Rape 1st Degree (KRS 510.040): A person engages in sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, with a physically helpless person, or with a person under 12. This is a Class B felony (10 to 20 years) or a Class A felony (20 to 50 years or life) if the victim suffers serious physical injury or is under 12.
• Rape 2nd Degree (KRS 510.050): A person engages in sexual intercourse with a mentally incapacitated or physically helpless person, or someone under 14. This is a Class C felony unless the defendant is in a position of authority or special trust.
• Rape 3rd Degree (KRS 510.060): A person engages in intercourse with someone they know cannot consent or with a victim aged 16 or 17 when the perpetrator is at least 21. This is a Class D felony.

Sexual Abuse

• Sexual abuse 1st Degree (KRS 510.110): A person subjects another to sexual contact by forcible compulsion or when the victim is incapacitated or physically helpless. This is a Class D felony, or a Class C felony if the victim is under 12.
• Sexual abuse 2nd Degree (KRS 510.120): A person subjects a mentally incapacitated or physically helpless person to sexual contact. This is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Sexual abuse 3rd Degree (KRS 510.130): A person subjects another to sexual contact without consent. This Class B misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a broad term often used to describe various nonconsensual sexual acts, including those defined under Kentucky’s sexual abuse and rape statutes. Consequences are severe, ranging from heavy fines and long-term imprisonment to the mandatory requirement of registering as a sex offender. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can prevent you from obtaining housing or employment.

Sexual Misconduct

KRS 510.140 defines sexual misconduct as a Class A misdemeanor offense. The statute applies when sexual acts occur without the other person’s agreement or when the accused is aware the other individual lacks the capacity to agree to such conduct. This charge frequently serves as an alternative when the state cannot establish that force or coercion was used.

Sodomy

• First-degree sodomy (KRS 510.070): This Class B or Class A felony occurs when someone forces another person into deviate sexual acts through coercion, targets a victim who cannot physically resist, or involves a child younger than twelve years old.
• Second-degree sodomy (KRS 510.080): This Class B felony applies when deviate sexual acts occur with someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent, cannot physically resist such conduct, or has not yet reached fourteen years of age.
• Third-degree sodomy (KRS 510.090): This Class D felony involves deviate sexual conduct with individuals unable to provide valid consent or applies when the accused is 21 years or older and the other party is 16 or 17 years old.

Indecent Exposure

• Indecent exposure 1st degree (KRS 510.148): A person intentionally exposes their genitals to cause affront or alarm in the presence of someone under 18. This is a Class B misdemeanor for initial offenses.
• Indecent exposure 2nd degree (KRS 510.150): A person intentionally exposes themselves in public or where others are likely to observe them. This is a violation for a first offense.

Sex Crimes Involving Minors

A conviction carries severe penalties, including prison and sex offender registration under KRS 17.510. A permanent record impacts your ability to find housing and employment. Kentucky law treats crimes involving children with increased severity:

• Child pornography or use of a minor in a sexual performance (KRS 531.310): Employing or inducing a minor to engage in a sexual performance. (Class B felony for a first offense).
• Electronic solicitation of a minor (KRS 510.155): Using a communications system to solicit a minor for sexual acts. (Class C felony but rises to a Class B felony if the minor is under 16).
• Unlawful transaction with a minor 1st degree (KRS 530.064): Inducing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. (Class C felony).
• Distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (KRS 531.320): Knowingly distributing such material is a Class C felony.
• Possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor (KRS 531.335): Knowingly possessing such images or videos is a Class D felony.
• Promoting a sexual performance by a minor (KRS 531.320): Financing or managing such performances. This is a Class C felony.

Attempting to manage such charges independently risks irreversible harm. We are equipped to advocate effectively within Kentucky’s judicial system, helping ensure your defense is both thorough and strategic. If you face these charges, call our office to discuss your case.

Do You Have To Register As A Sex Offender If Convicted Of A Sex Crime In Kentucky?

In most cases, a conviction for a sex crime in Kentucky will require mandatory sex offender registration. Depending on the specific charge and circumstances, this registration can last for years or even decades. This requirement extends beyond compliance; it affects residency, employment and community perception.

A conviction does not automatically mean you have no options. There are legal avenues to challenge charges, reduce penalties or fight wrongful allegations. We will assess every detail of your case to determine the best course of action to protect your future.

Speak To Our Frankfort Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today

When everything is on the line, trust a lawyer who has earned a reputation for results. True Guarnieri Ayer, LLP, is ready to provide the aggressive, compassionate defense you deserve. Call 502-934-5796 or contact us online to schedule a confidential, free consultation with one of our lawyers from our Frankfort office.