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514.120 Obscuring identity of machine or other property.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Effective:June 25, 2009
History: Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 106, sec. 14, effective June 25, 2009. -Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 327, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended
1992 Ky. Acts ch. 451, sec. 8, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1980 Ky.
Acts ch. 267, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 78,
sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 128,
effective January 1, 1975.
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