Utah criminal charge
Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card in Utah
Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3. 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. § 76-6-506.3.
What is the penalty for unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer under Subsection (2)(a) — Applies when the actor commits any of the acts described in Subsection (2)(a), involving a single financial transaction card or its information.; 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 (Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer under Subsection (2)(a) — Applies when the actor commits any of the acts described in Subsection (2)(a), involving a single financial transaction card or its information.; 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 (Unlawful possession, sale, or transfer of information for 100 or more cards under Subsection (2)(b) — Applies when the actor possesses, sells, or transfers information necessary for the use of 100 or more financial transaction cards with intent or knowledge that it will be used unlawfully.; 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 (Unlawful possession, sale, or transfer of information for 100 or more cards under Subsection (2)(b) — Applies when the actor possesses, sells, or transfers information necessary for the use of 100 or more financial transaction cards with intent or knowledge that it will be used unlawfully.; 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 unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer under Subsection (2)(a) | Third Degree Felony | Applies when the actor commits any of the acts described in Subsection (2)(a), involving a single financial transaction card or its information. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3(3)(a) |
| Unlawful possession, sale, or transfer of information for 100 or more cards under Subsection (2)(b) | Second Degree Felony | Applies when the actor possesses, sells, or transfers information necessary for the use of 100 or more financial transaction cards with intent or knowledge that it will be used unlawfully. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3(3)(b) |
Common questions about unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card in Utah
Is unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card ranges from a Third Degree Felony to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3.
Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer under Subsection (2)(a): Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3(3)(a)) · Unlawful possession, sale, or transfer of information for 100 or more cards under Subsection (2)(b): Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3(3)(b))
What are the penalties for unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card in Utah?
Penalties for unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card 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 unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card?
Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-506.3 (Unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of financial transaction card).
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.