Utah criminal charge
Distribution of an intimate image in Utah
Distribution of an intimate image is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203. 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. § 76-5b-203.
What is the penalty for distribution of an intimate image in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Distribution of an intimate image - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A misdemeanor.; 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 an intimate image - base offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A misdemeanor.; 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 an intimate image - repeat offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony on a second or subsequent conviction for an offense under this section that does not arise from the same single criminal episode as a prior conviction.; 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 an intimate image - repeat offense — A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony on a second or subsequent conviction for an offense under this section that does not arise from the same single criminal episode as a prior conviction.; 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 an intimate image classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution of an intimate image - base offense | Class A Misdemeanor | A violation of Subsection (2) is classified as a class A misdemeanor. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203(3)(a) |
| Distribution of an intimate image - repeat offense | Third Degree Felony | A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony on a second or subsequent conviction for an offense under this section that does not arise from the same single criminal episode as a prior conviction. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203(3)(b) |
Common questions about distribution of an intimate image in Utah
Is distribution of an intimate image a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: distribution of an intimate image ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203.
Distribution of an intimate image - base offense: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203(3)(a)) · Distribution of an intimate image - repeat offense: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203(3)(b))
What are the penalties for distribution of an intimate image in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers distribution of an intimate image?
Distribution of an intimate image is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-203 (Distribution of an intimate image - 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.