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A Citation Instead of Arrest

KRS 431.015 — a citation for a misdemeanor in the officer's presence, with listed exceptions

For a misdemeanor committed in the officer's presence, a peace officer issues a citation instead of making an arrest, if there are reasonable grounds to believe the person will appear to answer the charge.

  • KRS 431.015
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  • The officer may arrest instead for an assault, a weapons or DUI offense and some others the section lists, or where the person poses a danger or refuses the officer's reasonable instructions.
  • The officer arrests for a violation of a protective order.
  • KRS 431.015
Sources for this section (1)
  1. KRS 431.015 — Citation for misdemeanor -- Failure to appear

Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kentucky attorney.

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