Utah criminal charge
Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality in Utah
Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423. 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. § 76-5-423.
What is the penalty for unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — standard — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child.; 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 sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — standard — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — small age gap — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child.; 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 sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — small age gap — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child.; 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 unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — standard | Third Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423(3)(a) |
| Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — small age gap | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor is less than 10 years older than the child. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423(3)(b) |
Common questions about unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality in Utah
Is unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423.
Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — standard: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423(3)(a)) · Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality — small age gap: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423(3)(b))
What are the penalties for unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality in Utah?
Penalties for unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Class A Misdemeanor up to a Third Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 and Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality?
Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-423 (Unlawful sexual activity with a child using virtual reality).
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.