Utah criminal charge
Wanton destruction of livestock in Utah
Wanton destruction of livestock is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111. 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. § 76-6-111.
What is the penalty for wanton destruction of livestock in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Wanton destruction of livestock (value $250 or less) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is $250 or less.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Wanton destruction of livestock (value $250 or less) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is $250 or less.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $250 but not exceeding $750) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $250 but does not exceed $750.; 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 (Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $250 but not exceeding $750) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $250 but does not exceed $750.; 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 (Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $750 but not exceeding $5,000) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $750 but does not exceed $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 (Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $750 but not exceeding $5,000) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $750 but does not exceed $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 | 1 years to 15 years (Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $5,000) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more 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 $10,000 (Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $5,000) — Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $5,000.; 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 wanton destruction of livestock classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanton destruction of livestock (value $250 or less) | Class B Misdemeanor | Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is $250 or less. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(a) |
| Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $250 but not exceeding $750) | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $250 but does not exceed $750. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(b) |
| Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $750 but not exceeding $5,000) | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $750 but does not exceed $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(c) |
| Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $5,000) | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the aggregate value of the livestock is more than $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(d) |
Common questions about wanton destruction of livestock in Utah
Is wanton destruction of livestock a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: wanton destruction of livestock ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111.
Wanton destruction of livestock (value $250 or less): Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(a)) · Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $250 but not exceeding $750): Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(b)) · Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $750 but not exceeding $5,000): Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(c)) · Wanton destruction of livestock (value more than $5,000): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111(3)(d))
What are the penalties for wanton destruction of livestock in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers wanton destruction of livestock?
Wanton destruction of livestock is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-111 (Wanton destruction of livestock - Penalties - Restitution criteria - Seizure and disposition of property).
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.