Utah criminal charge
Terrorism in Utah
Terrorism is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3. 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. § 76-5-107.3.
What is the penalty for terrorism in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Terrorism — weapon of mass destruction threat or intimidation/coercion intent — Applies when the actor threatens use of a weapon of mass destruction or hoax weapon of mass destruction, or acts with intent to intimidate/coerce a civilian population or influence/affect government conduct.; 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 (Terrorism — weapon of mass destruction threat or intimidation/coercion intent — Applies when the actor threatens use of a weapon of mass destruction or hoax weapon of mass destruction, or acts with intent to intimidate/coerce a civilian population or influence/affect government conduct.; 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 (Terrorism — prevent or interrupt occupation of building or transportation facility — Applies when the actor acts with intent to prevent or interrupt occupation of a building, public access place, or public transportation facility/vehicle.; 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 (Terrorism — prevent or interrupt occupation of building or transportation facility — Applies when the actor acts with intent to prevent or interrupt occupation of a building, public access place, or public transportation facility/vehicle.; 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 6 months (Terrorism — causing emergency agency response — Applies when the actor's conduct causes an official or volunteer emergency agency to act due to posing a serious and substantial risk to the general public.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Terrorism — causing emergency agency response — Applies when the actor's conduct causes an official or volunteer emergency agency to act due to posing a serious and substantial risk to the general public.; 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 terrorism classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrorism — weapon of mass destruction threat or intimidation/coercion intent | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the actor threatens use of a weapon of mass destruction or hoax weapon of mass destruction, or acts with intent to intimidate/coerce a civilian population or influence/affect government conduct. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(a) |
| Terrorism — prevent or interrupt occupation of building or transportation facility | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the actor acts with intent to prevent or interrupt occupation of a building, public access place, or public transportation facility/vehicle. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(b) |
| Terrorism — causing emergency agency response | Class B Misdemeanor | Applies when the actor's conduct causes an official or volunteer emergency agency to act due to posing a serious and substantial risk to the general public. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(c) |
Common questions about terrorism in Utah
Is terrorism a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: terrorism ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3.
Terrorism — weapon of mass destruction threat or intimidation/coercion intent: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(a)) · Terrorism — prevent or interrupt occupation of building or transportation facility: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(b)) · Terrorism — causing emergency agency response: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3(3)(c))
What are the penalties for terrorism in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers terrorism?
Terrorism is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-107.3 (Terrorism).
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.