Gauze v. Commonwealth
Gauze v. Commonwealth
Opinion of the Court
Lawrence Gauze appeals from a judgment sentencing him to imprisonment for one year pursuant to a jury’s verdict finding him guilty of violating KRS 435.240 (3). Appellant presents four grounds for reversal, but we find it necessary to discuss only one of the grounds, namely, that the cited statute does not authorize prosecution for failure to obey a divorce judgment’s order to pay for child support in a situation in which the divorce judgment was entered before the effective date of the statute.
With commendable candor the Attorney General concedes that the statute does not authorize the instant prosecution. It is observed that KRS 435.240(3) specifically provides, in part:
“ * * * provided, that this paragraph shall apply only to judgments, decrees, or orders granted subsequently.”
It is manifest that the statute, by its own terms, is not applicable.
The judgment is reversed with directions to enter a new judgment dismissing the indictment and discharging the appellant from custody.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.