Utah criminal charge
Destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility in Utah
Destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3. 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. § 76-6-106.3.
What is the penalty for destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Intentional or knowing destruction/tampering — A violation of Subsection (2) is committed intentionally or knowingly.; 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 (Intentional or knowing destruction/tampering — A violation of Subsection (2) is committed intentionally or knowingly.; 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 (Reckless destruction/tampering — A violation of Subsection (2) is committed recklessly.; 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 (Reckless destruction/tampering — A violation of Subsection (2) is committed recklessly.; 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 destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intentional or knowing destruction/tampering | First Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is committed intentionally or knowingly. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3(3)(a) |
| Reckless destruction/tampering | Second Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is committed recklessly. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3(3)(b) |
Common questions about destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility in Utah
Is destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility ranges from a Second Degree Felony to a First Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3.
Intentional or knowing destruction/tampering: First Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3(3)(a)) · Reckless destruction/tampering: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3(3)(b))
What are the penalties for destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility in Utah?
Penalties for destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility 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 destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility?
Destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-106.3 (Destruction or tampering with a critical infrastructure facility - Penalty).
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.