Utah criminal charge
Failure to return library material in Utah
Failure to return library material is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30. 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. § 76-6-803.30.
What is the penalty for failure to return library material in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Value $5,000 or more — The value of the library materials is or exceeds $5,000.; 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 (Value $5,000 or more — The value of the library materials is or exceeds $5,000.; 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 6 months (Value under $500 — The value of the library material stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Value under $500 — The value of the library material stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c).; 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 failure to return library material classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value $5,000 or more | Second Degree Felony | The value of the library materials is or exceeds $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30(3)(a) |
| Value under $500 | Class B Misdemeanor | The value of the library material stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30(3)(d) |
Common questions about failure to return library material in Utah
Is failure to return library material a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: failure to return library material ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30.
Value $5,000 or more: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30(3)(a)) · Value under $500: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30(3)(d))
What are the penalties for failure to return library material in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers failure to return library material?
Failure to return library material is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-803.30 (Failure to return library material - Written notice).
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.