Utah criminal charge
Deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device in Utah
Deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211. 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. § 76-5c-211.
What is the penalty for deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Deactivation of pornography device filter - first offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) unless the actor has a prior conviction for the same offense, subject to a fine of not more than $2,500.; 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 (Deactivation of pornography device filter - first offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) unless the actor has a prior conviction for the same offense, subject to a fine of not more than $2,500.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Deactivation of pornography device filter - subsequent offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2), subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.; 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 (Deactivation of pornography device filter - subsequent offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2), subject to a fine of not more than $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).
How is deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivation of pornography device filter - first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) unless the actor has a prior conviction for the same offense, subject to a fine of not more than $2,500. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211(3)(a) |
| Deactivation of pornography device filter - subsequent offense | Third Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2), subject to a fine of not more than $5,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211(3)(b) |
Common questions about deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device in Utah
Is deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211.
Deactivation of pornography device filter - first offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211(3)(a)) · Deactivation of pornography device filter - subsequent offense: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211(3)(b))
What are the penalties for deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device in Utah?
Penalties for deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Class A Misdemeanor up to a Third Degree Felony — with the ranges set by Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 and Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Utah statute covers deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device?
Deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-211 (Deactivation of a pornography device filter on a minor's device).
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.