Utah criminal charge
Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material in Utah
Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208. 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-208.
What is the penalty for distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — adult actor — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; 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 (Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — adult actor — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense.; 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 (Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — minor actor — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor is under 18 years old at the time the actor commits the offense.; 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 (Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — minor actor — Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor is under 18 years old at the time the actor commits the offense.; 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 or production of apparent child sexual abuse material classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — adult actor | First Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) except when the actor is under 18 years old at the time of the offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208(3)(a) |
| Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — minor actor | Second Degree Felony | Applies to a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor is under 18 years old at the time the actor commits the offense. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208(3)(b) |
Common questions about distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material in Utah
Is distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material ranges from a Second Degree Felony to a First Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208.
Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — adult actor: First Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208(3)(a)) · Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material — minor actor: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208(3)(b))
What are the penalties for distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material in Utah?
Penalties for distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material 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 distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material?
Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-5b-208 (Distribution or production of apparent child sexual abuse material).
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.