Utah criminal charge
Game fowl fighting in Utah
Game fowl fighting is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207. 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. § 76-13-207.
What is the penalty for game fowl fighting in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Game fowl fighting — first violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's first offense.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Game fowl fighting — first violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's first offense.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | Game fowl fighting — second violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's second offense.; 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 (Game fowl fighting — second violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's second offense.; 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 (Game fowl fighting — third or subsequent violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's third or subsequent offense.; 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 (Game fowl fighting — third or subsequent violation — Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's third or subsequent offense.; 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 game fowl fighting classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game fowl fighting — first violation | Class B Misdemeanor | Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's first offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(a) |
| Game fowl fighting — second violation | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's second offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(b) |
| Game fowl fighting — third or subsequent violation | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the violation of Subsection (2) is the actor's third or subsequent offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(c) |
Common questions about game fowl fighting in Utah
Is game fowl fighting a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: game fowl fighting ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207.
Game fowl fighting — first violation: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(a)) · Game fowl fighting — second violation: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(b)) · Game fowl fighting — third or subsequent violation: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207(3)(c))
What are the penalties for game fowl fighting in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers game fowl fighting?
Game fowl fighting is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-207 (Game fowl fighting).
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.