Utah criminal charge
Aiding prostitution in Utah
Aiding prostitution is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206. 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-206.
What is the penalty for aiding prostitution in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Aiding prostitution - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (3)(b).; 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 (Aiding prostitution - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (3)(b).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Aiding prostitution - prior conviction enhancement — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor has previously been convicted of a prior violation of Subsection (2), a substantially similar local ordinance, or a substantially equivalent offense in another jurisdiction.; 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 (Aiding prostitution - prior conviction enhancement — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor has previously been convicted of a prior violation of Subsection (2), a substantially similar local ordinance, or a substantially equivalent offense in another jurisdiction.; 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 aiding prostitution classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiding prostitution - base offense | Class A Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206(3)(a) |
| Aiding prostitution - prior conviction enhancement | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor has previously been convicted of a prior violation of Subsection (2), a substantially similar local ordinance, or a substantially equivalent offense in another jurisdiction. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206(3)(b) |
Common questions about aiding prostitution in Utah
Is aiding prostitution a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: aiding prostitution ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206.
Aiding prostitution - base offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206(3)(a)) · Aiding prostitution - prior conviction enhancement: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206(3)(b))
What are the penalties for aiding prostitution in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers aiding prostitution?
Aiding prostitution is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5d-206 (Aiding 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.