Utah criminal charge
Possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor in Utah
Possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211. 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. § 76-11-211.
What is the penalty for possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (First offense - general dangerous weapon — First offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (First offense - general dangerous weapon — First offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Jail / prison | Subsequent offense - general dangerous weapon — Second or subsequent offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b).; 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 (Subsequent offense - general dangerous weapon — Second or subsequent offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b).; 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 (Possession of specified firearm-type weapon — The dangerous weapon possessed is a handgun, short barreled rifle, short barreled shotgun, fully automatic weapon, or machinegun firearm attachment.; 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 (Possession of specified firearm-type weapon — The dangerous weapon possessed is a handgun, short barreled rifle, short barreled shotgun, fully automatic weapon, or machinegun firearm attachment.; 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 possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense - general dangerous weapon | Class B Misdemeanor | First offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(a)(i) |
| Subsequent offense - general dangerous weapon | Class A Misdemeanor | Second or subsequent offense of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor, not involving a weapon listed in Subsection (3)(b). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(a)(ii) |
| Possession of specified firearm-type weapon | Third Degree Felony | The dangerous weapon possessed is a handgun, short barreled rifle, short barreled shotgun, fully automatic weapon, or machinegun firearm attachment. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(b) |
Common questions about possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor in Utah
Is possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211.
First offense - general dangerous weapon: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(a)(i)) · Subsequent offense - general dangerous weapon: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(a)(ii)) · Possession of specified firearm-type weapon: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211(3)(b))
What are the penalties for possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor?
Possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-11-211 (Possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor).
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.