Utah criminal charge
Theft in Utah
Theft is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404. 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. § 76-6-404.
What is the penalty for theft in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Theft (value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle, or from person) — The property stolen is valued at $5,000 or more, is a firearm or operable motor vehicle, or is stolen from the person of another.; 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 (Theft (value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle, or from person) — The property stolen is valued at $5,000 or more, is a firearm or operable motor vehicle, or is stolen from the person of another.; 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 6 months (Theft (value under $500, not otherwise class A misdemeanor) — The value of the property stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Theft (value under $500, not otherwise class A misdemeanor) — The value of the property stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is theft classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft (value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle, or from person) | Second Degree Felony | The property stolen is valued at $5,000 or more, is a firearm or operable motor vehicle, or is stolen from the person of another. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404(3)(a) |
| Theft (value under $500, not otherwise class A misdemeanor) | Class B Misdemeanor | The value of the property stolen is less than $500 and the theft does not qualify as a class A misdemeanor under Subsection (3)(c). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404(3)(d) |
Common questions about theft in Utah
Is theft a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: theft ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404.
Theft (value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle, or from person): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404(3)(a)) · Theft (value under $500, not otherwise class A misdemeanor): Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404(3)(d))
What are the penalties for theft in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers theft?
Theft is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-404 (Theft - Elements).
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.