Utah criminal charge
Detention or confinement of a child in Utah
Detention or confinement of a child is a Class B Misdemeanor under Utah criminal law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 80-6-204. As a Class B Misdemeanor, 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. § 80-6-204.
What is the penalty for detention or confinement of a child in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (no statutory minimum) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (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).
Common questions about detention or confinement of a child in Utah
Is detention or confinement of a child a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
What are the penalties for detention or confinement of a child in Utah?
As a Class B Misdemeanor, detention or confinement of a child carries up to 6 months (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 $1,000 (statutory maximum under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301) under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 (current (2026 General Session)).
Which Utah statute covers detention or confinement of a child?
Detention or confinement of a child is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 80-6-204 (Detention or confinement of a child - Restrictions).
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.