Utah criminal charge
Receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant in Utah
Receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105. 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. § 76-8-105.
What is the penalty for receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit over $1,000 — Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is more than $1,000.; 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 (Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit over $1,000 — Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is more than $1,000.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit $1,000 or less — Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is $1,000 or less.; 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 (Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit $1,000 or less — Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is $1,000 or less.; 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 receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit over $1,000 | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is more than $1,000. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105(3)(a) |
| Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit $1,000 or less | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the value of the benefit asked for, solicited, accepted, or conferred is $1,000 or less. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105(3)(b) |
Common questions about receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant in Utah
Is receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant ranges from a Third Degree Felony to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105.
Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit over $1,000: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105(3)(a)) · Receiving or soliciting bribe — benefit $1,000 or less: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105(3)(b))
What are the penalties for receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant in Utah?
Penalties for receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant in Utah depend on how it is classified — from a Third Degree Felony up to a Second 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 receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant?
Receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-105 (Receiving or soliciting bribe or bribery by public servant).
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.