Utah criminal charge
Aggravated exploitation of prostitution in Utah
Aggravated exploitation of prostitution is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208. 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. § 76-5d-208.
What is the penalty for aggravated exploitation of prostitution in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (general) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony except when the violation involves a child.; 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 (Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (general) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony except when the violation involves a child.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (involving a child) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony if the violation involves a child.; indeterminate prison term of not less than five years and which may be for life, 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 (Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (involving a child) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony if the violation involves a child.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is aggravated exploitation of prostitution classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (general) | Second Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony except when the violation involves a child. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208(3)(a) |
| Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (involving a child) | First Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony if the violation involves a child. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208(3)(b) |
Common questions about aggravated exploitation of prostitution in Utah
Is aggravated exploitation of prostitution a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: aggravated exploitation of prostitution ranges from a Second Degree Felony to a First Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208.
Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (general): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208(3)(a)) · Aggravated exploitation of prostitution (involving a child): First Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208(3)(b))
What are the penalties for aggravated exploitation of prostitution in Utah?
Penalties for aggravated exploitation of prostitution in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Second Degree Felony up to a First Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers aggravated exploitation of prostitution?
Aggravated exploitation of prostitution is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-208 (Aggravated exploitation of prostitution).
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.