Utah legal term
Defendant in Utah Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Utah legislative session
In Utah criminal law, “Defendant” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Utah criminal code.
What does “Defendant” mean in Utah criminal law?
"Defendant" means an individual who has been convicted of, or entered into a plea disposition for, criminal conduct. (Utah Code Ann. § 77-38b-102)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Offenses committed against animal enterprises
- Offenses committed against timber, mining, or agricultural industries
- Surreptitious administration of certain substances
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
- Criminal nonsupport
- Deceptive business practices
- Effect of civil action or settlement for criminal conduct
- Equity skimming of a vehicle
- Fine for violation
- Identity fraud
- Incompetent to proceed in misdemeanor cases
- Justified use of force
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.