Kentucky Court of Appeals Rules Felons Cannot Possess Firearms, Overturning Jefferson County Decision
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Court of Appeals has ruled that convicted felons cannot possess firearms, reversing a Jefferson County judge’s earlier decision that had briefly opened the door for some felons to legally own guns.
Case Reignites Legal Debate on Gun Rights
The ruling stems from a 2022 case involving Jecory Frazier, who was indicted on possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and tampering with evidence charges.
Frazier’s defense team argued the firearm charge was unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, and in 2024, a Jefferson County judge sided with him, dismissing the charge.
However, in its latest decision, the Kentucky Court of Appeals overturned that ruling, reinstating Frazier’s charges and reaffirming the long-standing state law prohibiting felons from possessing guns.
Legal Analyst Weighs In
Louisville criminal defense attorney and legal analyst Leland Hulbert said the appeals court’s ruling was expected within the legal community.
“I think the appeals court was not convinced those arguments were strong enough to overturn such a long-standing law about convicted felons not being allowed to possess firearms,” Hulbert told WAVE.
He added that the earlier Jefferson County decision had been viewed by many as “a stretch” and that the latest ruling simply restores the legal status quo.
National Push for Reform
While Hulbert agreed with the decision, he noted that national efforts continue to allow certain non-violent felons to regain their gun rights after serving their sentences.
“Anyone who’s had a violent felony with a gun — a robbery, a murder, something like that — I think there’s a general consensus that they should probably not be allowed to own guns again,” Hulbert said.
“But if someone had a drug possession fifteen years ago, should they not be allowed to have a gun for their protection?”
He emphasized that the appeals court ruling represents one step closer to finality, but it may not be the end of the debate.
Possible Appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court
Hulbert said that further appeals could still be filed, potentially sending the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“There’s still other potential appeals,” he noted. “Could it go to the Supreme Court? Possibly, so it’s not technically over.”
He also mentioned that several cases across Kentucky had been on hold pending the outcome of this ruling — and those defendants, like Frazier, will now likely see their charges reinstated.
The decision marks a significant shift back toward Kentucky’s traditional stance on firearm possession restrictions for felons, reaffirming limits that date back decades. For more updates on state legislation and legal analysis, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.