Phelps v. Commonwealth

Opinion of the Court by

Justice STUMBO.

We accepted discretionary review of this case in order to resolve whether juvenile court “adjudications” could properly be deemed “convictions” for the purpose of enhancing such criminal charges as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (KRS 514.100), carrying a concealed deadly weapon (KRS 527.020), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (KRS 527.040). Because the plain language of KRS 635.040 of the Kentucky Unified Juvenile Code (hereinafter referred to as “Juvenile Code”) clearly states that such adjudications are not to be deemed convictions,…