Utah criminal charge
Abuse or desecration of a dead human body in Utah
Abuse or desecration of a dead human body is a Third Degree Felony under Utah criminal law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-802. As a Third Degree Felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Utah sets for that offense class. Utah sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-802.
What is the penalty for abuse or desecration of a dead human body in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (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 (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).
Common questions about abuse or desecration of a dead human body in Utah
Is abuse or desecration of a dead human body a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
What are the penalties for abuse or desecration of a dead human body in Utah?
As a Third Degree Felony, abuse or desecration of a dead human body carries up to 5 years (indeterminate term with no statutory minimum; actual release is set by the Board of Pardons and Parole) of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000 (statutory maximum under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301) under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 (current (2026 General Session)).
Which Utah statute covers abuse or desecration of a dead human body?
Abuse or desecration of a dead human body is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-802 (Abuse or desecration of a dead human body).
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.