Utah criminal charge
Justified use of force in Utah
Justified use of force is a Infraction under Utah criminal law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-2-309. As a Infraction, 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. § 76-2-309.
What is the penalty for justified use of force in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | up to $750 (no imprisonment for an infraction (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-205); fined as for a class C misdemeanor when no punishment is specified; the fine may be satisfied by compensatory service) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-205 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
Common questions about justified use of force in Utah
Is justified use of force a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
Justified use of force is a Infraction in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-2-309.
What are the penalties for justified use of force in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers justified use of force?
Justified use of force is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-2-309 (Justified use of force).
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.