Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105 — Making a false alarm.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 1: Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Making a false alarm

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session

(1)(a) As used in this section, "weapon of mass destruction" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-15-301. (1)(b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits making a false alarm if the actor: (2)(a) initiates or circulates a report or warning of a fire, impending bombing, or other crime or catastrophe; and (2)(b) knows that that the report or warning described in Subsection (2)(a) is: (2)(b)(i) false or baseless; (2)(b)(ii) is likely to cause the evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transport; and (2)(b)(iii) likely to cause public inconvenience or alarm or action of any sort by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies. (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. (3)(b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if: (3)(b)(i) the actor makes a false alarm alleging an ongoing act or event, or an imminent threat; and (3)(b)(ii) the false alarm causes or threatens to cause bodily harm, serious bodily injury, or death to another individual. (3)(c) A violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if the false alarm is regarding a weapon of mass destruction. (4) In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, a court shall order an actor convicted of a felony violation of this section to reimburse any federal, state, or local unit of government, or any private business, organization, individual, or entity for all expenses and losses incurred in responding to the violation, unless the court states on the record the reasons why the court finds the reimbursement would be inappropriate.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is making a false alarm a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: making a false alarm ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105.

Making a false alarm — base offense: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105(3)(a)) · Making a false alarm — imminent threat causing/threatening harm: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105(3)(b)) · Making a false alarm — weapon of mass destruction: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105(3)(c))

Which Utah statute covers making a false alarm?

Making a false alarm is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-105 (Making a false alarm).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.