Utah criminal charge
Release of a fur-bearing animal in Utah
Release of a fur-bearing animal is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413. 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. § 76-6-413.
What is the penalty for release of a fur-bearing animal in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Release of a fur-bearing animal (base offense) — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the value of the property 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 $5,000 (Release of a fur-bearing animal (base offense) — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the value of the property 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 | 1 years to 15 years (Release of a fur-bearing animal (value $5,000 or more) — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the value of the property 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 (Release of a fur-bearing animal (value $5,000 or more) — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the value of the property 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 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is release of a fur-bearing animal classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release of a fur-bearing animal (base offense) | Third Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the value of the property is or exceeds $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413(3)(a) |
| Release of a fur-bearing animal (value $5,000 or more) | Second Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the value of the property is or exceeds $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413(3)(b) |
Common questions about release of a fur-bearing animal in Utah
Is release of a fur-bearing animal a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: release of a fur-bearing animal ranges from a Third Degree Felony to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413.
Release of a fur-bearing animal (base offense): Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413(3)(a)) · Release of a fur-bearing animal (value $5,000 or more): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413(3)(b))
What are the penalties for release of a fur-bearing animal in Utah?
Penalties for release of a fur-bearing animal in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Third Degree Felony up to a Second Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers release of a fur-bearing animal?
Release of a fur-bearing animal is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-413 (Release of a fur-bearing animal - Finding).
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.