Section 514.120 - Obscuring identity of machine or other property(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.Effective:6/25/2009
Amended 2009, Ky. Acts ch. 106, sec. 14, effective6/25/2009. -- Amended 2007, Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 327, effective 6/26/2007. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 451, sec. 8, effective 7/14/1992. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 5, effective 7/15/1980. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 4, effective 6/17/1978. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 128, effective 1/1/1975.