Utah statute
Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101 — Riot.
Current through 2026 General Session
Part of Part 1: Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses, Utah Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101
Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.
(1) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits riot if the actor: (2)(a) simultaneously with two or more other individuals engages in violent conduct, knowingly or recklessly creating a substantial risk of causing public alarm; (2)(b) assembles with two or more other individuals with the purpose of engaging, soon thereafter, in violent conduct, knowing, that two or more other individuals in the assembly have the same purpose; (2)(c) assembles with two or more other individuals with the purpose of committing an offense against a person, or the property of another person who the actor supposes to be guilty of a violation of law, believing that two or more other individuals in the assembly have the same purpose; or (2)(d) refuses to comply with a lawful order to withdraw prior to, during, or immediately following a violation of Subsection (2)(a), (b), or (c). (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (3)(b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if, in the course of the violation: (3)(b)(i) the actor causes substantial or serious bodily injury; (3)(b)(ii) the actor causes substantial property damage or commits arson; or (3)(b)(iii) the actor was in possession of a dangerous weapon. (4) It is not a defense to a prosecution under Subsection (2)(d) that in order for an actor to comply with an order to withdraw the actor must enter or cross over private property. (5) An actor is not criminally or civilly liable for actions that the actor takes that are reasonably necessary to comply with an order to withdraw under Subsection (2)(d). (6) An actor arrested for a violation of Subsection (2) may not be released from custody before the actor appears before a magistrate or a judge.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is riot a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: riot ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101.
Riot - base offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(a)) · Riot - aggravated (injury, property damage/arson, or weapon): Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101(3)(b))
Which Utah statute covers riot?
Riot is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-101 (Riot).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.