Utah criminal charge
Making a written false statement in Utah
Making a written false statement is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504. 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. § 76-8-504.
What is the penalty for making a written false statement in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Making a written false statement (general) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3)(b).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Making a written false statement (general) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as otherwise 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 (Making a written false statement on a financial declaration — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the false statement is on a financial declaration described in Section 77-38b-204.; 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 (Making a written false statement on a financial declaration — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the false statement is on a financial declaration described in Section 77-38b-204.; 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 making a written false statement classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Making a written false statement (general) | Class B Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504(3)(a) |
| Making a written false statement on a financial declaration | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the false statement is on a financial declaration described in Section 77-38b-204. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504(3)(b) |
Common questions about making a written false statement in Utah
Is making a written false statement a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: making a written false statement ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504.
Making a written false statement (general): Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504(3)(a)) · Making a written false statement on a financial declaration: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504(3)(b))
What are the penalties for making a written false statement in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers making a written false statement?
Making a written false statement is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-504 (Making a written false statement).
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.