Utah criminal charge
Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition in Utah
Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305. 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-305.
What is the penalty for distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — first offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3)(b), i.e., when the actor has no prior conviction under Subsection (2).; 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 (Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — first offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3)(b), i.e., when the actor has no prior conviction under Subsection (2).; 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 (Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — subsequent offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2).; 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 (Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — subsequent offense — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2).; 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 distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except as otherwise provided in Subsection (3)(b), i.e., when the actor has no prior conviction under Subsection (2). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305(3)(a) |
| Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — subsequent offense | Third Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) when the actor has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (2). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305(3)(b) |
Common questions about distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition in Utah
Is distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305.
Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — first offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305(3)(a)) · Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition — subsequent offense: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305(3)(b))
What are the penalties for distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition in Utah?
Penalties for distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition 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 distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition?
Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5c-305 (Distribution of a pornographic film for exhibition).
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.