Utah criminal charge
Prohibition of "hazing" in Utah
Prohibition of "hazing" is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5. 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. § 76-5-107.5.
What is the penalty for prohibition of "hazing" in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Base hazing offense — A violation of Subsection (2) that does not involve any of the aggravating factors in Subsections (3)(b) through (3)(e).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Base hazing offense — A violation of Subsection (2) that does not involve any of the aggravating factors in Subsections (3)(b) through (3)(e).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | Hazing involving vehicle, alcohol, or drug use — A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the operation or use of a motor vehicle, consumption of an alcoholic product, or consumption of a drug or substance.; 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 (Hazing involving vehicle, alcohol, or drug use — A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the operation or use of a motor vehicle, consumption of an alcoholic product, or consumption of a drug or substance.; 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 (Hazing involving a dangerous weapon — A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the use of a dangerous weapon.; 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 (Hazing involving a dangerous weapon — A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the use of a dangerous weapon.; 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 5 years (Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury — A violation of Subsection (2) where the hazing results in serious bodily injury to an individual.; 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 (Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury — A violation of Subsection (2) where the hazing results in serious bodily injury to an individual.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon — A violation of Subsection (2) causing serious bodily injury under Subsection (3)(d) that also involves the use of a dangerous weapon.; 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 (Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon — A violation of Subsection (2) causing serious bodily injury under Subsection (3)(d) that also involves the use of a dangerous weapon.; 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 prohibition of "hazing" classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base hazing offense | Class B Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) that does not involve any of the aggravating factors in Subsections (3)(b) through (3)(e). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(a) |
| Hazing involving vehicle, alcohol, or drug use | Class A Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the operation or use of a motor vehicle, consumption of an alcoholic product, or consumption of a drug or substance. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(b) |
| Hazing involving a dangerous weapon | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) where the act involves the use of a dangerous weapon. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(c) |
| Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) where the hazing results in serious bodily injury to an individual. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(d) |
| Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon | Second Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) causing serious bodily injury under Subsection (3)(d) that also involves the use of a dangerous weapon. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(e) |
Common questions about prohibition of "hazing" in Utah
Is prohibition of "hazing" a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: prohibition of "hazing" ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5.
Base hazing offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(a)) · Hazing involving vehicle, alcohol, or drug use: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(b)) · Hazing involving a dangerous weapon: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(c)) · Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(d)) · Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5(3)(e))
What are the penalties for prohibition of "hazing" in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers prohibition of "hazing"?
Prohibition of "hazing" is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.5 (Prohibition of "hazing" - Definitions - Penalties).
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.