514.120 Obscuring identity of machine or other property.
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/ky/chapter-514/514-120A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(1)A person is guilty of obscuring the identity of a machine or other property when he
or she:
(a)Removes, defaces, covers, alters, destroys, or otherwise obscures the
manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification number
or mark, including property marked with a Social Security number or motor
vehicle operator's license number for identification purposes, upon any
automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or mechanical
device, or other property, including any part thereof, with intent to render it or
other property unidentifiable; or
(b)Possesses any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or
mechanical device, or other property, including any part thereof, knowing that
the serial number or other identification number or mark, including property
marked with a Social Security number for identification purposes, has been
removed, defaced, covered, altered, destroyed, or otherwise obscured.
(2)Possession of any automobile or other propelled vehicle, machine, or electrical or
mechanical device, or other property, including any part thereof, on which the serial
number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark, including
property marked with a Social Security number or motor vehicle operator's license
number for identification purposes, has been removed, defaced, covered, altered,
destroyed, or otherwise obscured is prima facie evidence of knowledge of that fact.
(3)A person in possession of any property which is otherwise in violation of this
section may apply in writing to the Department of Kentucky State Police, through
any law enforcement agency in the county of his or her residence, for assignment of
a number for the property providing he or she can show that he or she is the lawful
owner of the property pursuant to the provisions of this section and KRS 16.200 and
500.090. If a number is issued in conformity with the provisions of this section and
KRS 16.200 and 500.090, then the person to whom it was issued and any person to
whom the property is lawfully disposed of shall not be in violation of these sections.
A person lawfully holding a certification issued pursuant to KRS 500.090 shall also
be deemed in compliance with this section. This section shall apply only when the
application has been filed by the defendant prior to arrest or authorization of a
warrant of arrest for the defendant by a court.
(4)Obscuring the identity of a machine or other property is a Class A misdemeanor
unless the value of the property is:
(a)Five hundred dollars ($500) or more but less than ten thousand dollars
($10,000), in which case it is a Class D felony; or
(b)Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, in which case it is a Class C felony.