Utah criminal charge
Sexual extortion in Utah
Sexual extortion is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204. 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. § 76-5b-204.
What is the penalty for sexual extortion in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Sexual extortion - adult actor — If the actor is an adult, a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony with a mandatory fine of not less than $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 (Sexual extortion - adult actor — If the actor is an adult, a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony with a mandatory fine of not less than $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 | Sexual extortion - child actor — If the actor is a child, a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.; 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 (Sexual extortion - child actor — If the actor is a child, a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is sexual extortion classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual extortion - adult actor | Third Degree Felony | If the actor is an adult, a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony with a mandatory fine of not less than $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204(3)(a) |
| Sexual extortion - child actor | Class A Misdemeanor | If the actor is a child, a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204(3)(b) |
Common questions about sexual extortion in Utah
Is sexual extortion a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: sexual extortion ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204.
Sexual extortion - adult actor: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204(3)(a)) · Sexual extortion - child actor: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204(3)(b))
What are the penalties for sexual extortion in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers sexual extortion?
Sexual extortion is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-204 (Sexual extortion).
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.