Utah criminal charge
Aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult in Utah
Aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2.
What is the penalty for aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Intentional or knowing aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done intentionally or knowingly.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Intentional or knowing aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done intentionally or knowingly.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Reckless aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done recklessly.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Reckless aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done recklessly.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | Criminally negligent aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done with criminal negligence.; up to 364 days — except up to one year for class A misdemeanors under Title 76, Chapter 5 (Offenses Against the Individual), other than Sections 76-5-102.9, 76-5-107.5, 76-5-113, and 76-5-303, which remain at 364 days (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204(1)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Criminally negligent aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult — Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done with criminal negligence.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intentional or knowing aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult | Second Degree Felony | Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done intentionally or knowingly. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(a) |
| Reckless aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult | Third Degree Felony | Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done recklessly. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(b) |
| Criminally negligent aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies when a violation of Subsection (2) is done with criminal negligence. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(c) |
Common questions about aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult in Utah
Is aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2.
Intentional or knowing aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(a)) · Reckless aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(b)) · Criminally negligent aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2(3)(c))
What are the penalties for aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult?
Aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-111.2 (Aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult - Penalties).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.