Criminal Penalties and Sentencing in Utah: 5 Things You Should Know

Whether you have been charged, indicted, arrested, or you are (or believe you are) under investigation for any crime, you should learn as much as you can about the potential punishments and penalties you may face if you’re convicted in Utah. This post is a quick and easy way to learn more about the basics of criminal penalty laws and sentencing. The best thing you can do if you are in legal trouble is contact an experienced defense lawyer and go through all the details of your case.

1. What are the criminal offense categories and penalties in Utah?

In Utah, criminal offenses are classified into three categories:

  • Infractions
  • Misdemeanors
  • Felonies

Infractions are minor offenses like traffic violations and some disorderly conduct offenses. There is only one punishment category for infractions.

Penalty

A fine of up to $750

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more severe than an infraction and have three different classifications.

Penalties

Class C misdemeanor - Up to 90 days in jail and up to a $750 fine

Class B misdemeanor - Up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine

Class A misdemeanor - Up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine

Felonies

Felonies are the most severe crime and have four different classifications.

Penalties

Third Degree - Zero to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000

Second Degree - One to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

First Degree - Five years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

Capital Life - Life in prison, life in prison without parole, or death penalty


2. What determines the severity of the punishment during sentencing?

The facts surrounding a misdemeanor or felony, can make your punishment worse or reduce your punishment. Factors that worsen a punishment are aggravating factors and factors that lessen a punishment are mitigating factors.

Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

Courts use the Utah Sentence and Release Guidelines to determine how to sentence someone convicted of a crime in Utah. Those guidelines explain the things that may mitigate (lessen) or aggravate (worsen) the sentence.

Mitigating Factors

The defendant has developmental disabilities

The defendant is a good candidate for treatment

The defendant was exceptionally cooperative with law enforcement

Aggravating Factors

The victim was unusually vulnerable

The defendant was in a position of authority over the victim

The offense was extremely cruel or depraved

The victim suffered substantial bodily injury.

The defendant is determined to be a habitual offender

The defendant is determined to have committed a hate crime

The defendant committed the crime in the presence of a child

The defendant used a dangerous weapon on or near a school

The defendant committed the crime with two or more other people

The offense was committed while in prison


3. Are there additional consequences for criminal convictions?

Many criminal convictions in Utah bring negative consequences (often called collateral consequences) that aren’t punishments given directly by the courts. For example, those convicted of particular crimes might become ineligible for certain employment positions and licenses. The list below is only a few examples of these consequences. The National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction is a great resource to explore these consequences in depth. 

  • Unavailable jobs: Anyone who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude (violating the accepted standard of the community) cannot get a liquor license, and sometimes, can’t even serve liquor. Individuals convicted of certain crimes also cannot work in settlements, home alarm systems, pharmaceuticals, real estate, mortgages, funeral services, commercial trucking, positions in public office, massage therapy, social work, and many more.  
  • Sheriff’s exam: Anyone who has been convicted of a criminal offense inimical (harming) to the public service or involving moral turpitude can’t take a deputy sheriff examination
  • Child care: Anyone with felony or misdemeanor convictions cannot provide child care at a licensed child care facility. 
  • Dispatcher certification: Anyone who has been convicted of a crime where they could have been punished by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or by imprisonment in the penitentiary of Utah or another state can’t get a dispatcher certification.
  • Consequences for sex-related crimes: Anyone convicted of crimes involving sex may be subject to other consequences, including registry requirements, home location restrictions, curfew requirements, and/or restrictions on social media use. 


4. How soon after a conviction is sentencing?

A defendant convicted of a crime has the right to be sentenced in no fewer than 2 and no more than 45 days after the conviction. The defendant can waive that time frame and be sentenced on the day of conviction. However, the alleged victims in the case have a right to speak at the sentencing hearing.

5. How do I find an experienced lawyer to protect my rights?

If you are accused of a crime in Utah, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat. We focus only on criminal defense and have more than two decades of experience. No matter what phase of the criminal process you are in, our legal team can help you get the best possible outcome.

Call us today at (801) 532-5297 for a free consultation to discuss your case.


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