Utah criminal charge
Unlawful online impersonation in Utah
Unlawful online impersonation is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206. 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. § 76-12-206.
What is the penalty for unlawful online impersonation in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Unlawful online impersonation — first offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (3)(b).; 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 (Unlawful online impersonation — first offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A 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 (Unlawful online impersonation — second or subsequent offense — A second or subsequent violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a third degree felony.; 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 (Unlawful online impersonation — second or subsequent offense — A second or subsequent violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a third degree felony.; 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 unlawful online impersonation classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful online impersonation — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206(3)(a) |
| Unlawful online impersonation — second or subsequent offense | Third Degree Felony | A second or subsequent violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a third degree felony. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206(3)(b) |
Common questions about unlawful online impersonation in Utah
Is unlawful online impersonation a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: unlawful online impersonation ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206.
Unlawful online impersonation — first offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206(3)(a)) · Unlawful online impersonation — second or subsequent offense: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206(3)(b))
What are the penalties for unlawful online impersonation in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers unlawful online impersonation?
Unlawful online impersonation is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-12-206 (Unlawful online impersonation).
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.