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Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2 — Interference with access to stored communication - Offenses - Penalties.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Chapter 23b: Access to Electronic Communications, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2

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.

Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session
(1) Except under Subsection (3), a person who obtains, alters, or prevents authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage in the system shall be punished under Subsection (2) if the person: (1)(a) intentionally accesses without authorization a facility through which an electronic communications service is provided; or (1)(b) intentionally exceeds an authorization to access that facility. (2) A person who commits a violation of Subsection (1) is: (2)(a) if the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction, or damage, or private commercial gain, guilty of a: (2)(a)(i) third degree felony for the first offense under this subsection; and (2)(a)(ii) second degree felony for any subsequent offense; and (2)(b) class B misdemeanor in any other case. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to conduct authorized: (3)(a) by the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communications service; (3)(b) by a user of that service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user; or (3)(c) under Sections 77-23a-10, 77-23b-4, and 77-23b-5.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is interference with access to stored communication a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: interference with access to stored communication ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2.

First offense for commercial advantage, malicious destruction/damage, or private commercial gain: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2(2)(a)(i)) · Subsequent offense for commercial advantage, malicious destruction/damage, or private commercial gain: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2(2)(a)(ii)) · General violation not for commercial advantage or gain: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2(2)(b))

Which Utah statute covers interference with access to stored communication?

Interference with access to stored communication is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 77-23b-2 (Interference with access to stored communication - Offenses - Penalties).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.