Utah criminal charge
Causing a catastrophe in Utah
Causing a catastrophe is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105. 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. § 76-6-105.
What is the penalty for causing a catastrophe in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, with weapon of mass destruction — Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe using a weapon of mass destruction.; 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 (Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, with weapon of mass destruction — Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe using a weapon of mass destruction.; 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 (Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, other means — Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe by means other than a weapon of mass destruction.; 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 (Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, other means — Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe by means other than a weapon of mass destruction.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | Causing a catastrophe — reckless — Applies when the actor recklessly causes the catastrophe.; up to 364 days — except up to one year for class A misdemeanors under Title 76, Chapter 5 (Offenses Against the Individual), other than Sections 76-5-102.9, 76-5-107.5, 76-5-113, and 76-5-303, which remain at 364 days (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204(1)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Causing a catastrophe — reckless — Applies when the actor recklessly causes the catastrophe.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is causing a catastrophe classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, with weapon of mass destruction | First Degree Felony | Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe using a weapon of mass destruction. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(a) |
| Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, other means | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the actor knowingly causes the catastrophe by means other than a weapon of mass destruction. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(b) |
| Causing a catastrophe — reckless | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies when the actor recklessly causes the catastrophe. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(c) |
Common questions about causing a catastrophe in Utah
Is causing a catastrophe a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: causing a catastrophe ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a First Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105.
Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, with weapon of mass destruction: First Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(a)) · Causing a catastrophe — knowingly, other means: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(b)) · Causing a catastrophe — reckless: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105(3)(c))
What are the penalties for causing a catastrophe in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers causing a catastrophe?
Causing a catastrophe is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-105 (Causing a catastrophe - Penalties).
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.