Utah criminal charge
Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah
Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1. 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. § 76-5b-201.1.
What is the penalty for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — adult actor — A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; indeterminate prison term of not less than five years and which may be for life, 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 (Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — adult actor — A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; 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 (Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — actor under 18 — A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; 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 (Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — actor under 18 — A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; 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 aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — adult actor | First Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1(3)(a) |
| Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — actor under 18 | Second Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1(3)(b) |
Common questions about aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah
Is aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor ranges from a Second Degree Felony to a First Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1.
Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — adult actor: First Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1(3)(a)) · Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor — actor under 18: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1(3)(b))
What are the penalties for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah?
Penalties for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Second Degree Felony up to a First Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor?
Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-201.1 (Aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor).
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.