Utah criminal charge
Riot in Utah
Riot is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101. 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. § 76-9-101.
What is the penalty for riot in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Riot - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as provided in Subsection (3)(b).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Riot - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as 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 (Riot - aggravated (injury, property damage/arson, or weapon) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor causes substantial or serious bodily injury, causes substantial property damage or commits arson, or possesses a dangerous weapon in the course of the violation.; 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 (Riot - aggravated (injury, property damage/arson, or weapon) — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor causes substantial or serious bodily injury, causes substantial property damage or commits arson, or possesses a dangerous weapon in the course of the violation.; 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 riot classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riot - base offense | Class B Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor except as provided in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(a) |
| Riot - aggravated (injury, property damage/arson, or weapon) | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor causes substantial or serious bodily injury, causes substantial property damage or commits arson, or possesses a dangerous weapon in the course of the violation. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(b) |
Common questions about riot in Utah
Is riot a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: riot ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101.
Riot - base offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(a)) · Riot - aggravated (injury, property damage/arson, or weapon): Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(b))
What are the penalties for riot in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers riot?
Riot is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101 (Riot).
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.