Misdemeanors in Utah are punishable by up to one year in county or local jail, and are designated as class A, B, or C. (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-104.)
Felonies (more serious crimes) are punishable by incarceration in state prison.
For more information on felonies in Utah, see Utah Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences.
A class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Utah, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. (Utah Code Ann. § § 76-3-204, 76-3-301.)
Theft of services or property worth between $500 and $1,500 is a class A misdemeanor. For more information on theft penalties, see Utah Petty Theft and Other Theft Laws.
Under Utah’s laws, class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. (Utah Code Ann. § § 76-3-204, 76-3-301.)
For example, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is a class B misdemeanor in Utah. For more information, see Utah Marijuana Laws.
A conviction in Utah for a class C misdemeanor can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious crimes under Utah’s laws. (Utah Code Ann. § § 76-3-204, 76-3-301.)
Public intoxication is a class C misdemeanor. For more information, see Utah Public Intoxication Laws.
A statute of limitations is a time period, set by lawmakers, during which the state must begin criminal prosecution. The statute of limitations begins to “run” when the crime is committed. Most misdemeanors in Utah have a statute of limitations of two years.
For more information, see Utah Criminal Statute of Limitations.
Any criminal conviction, even a misdemeanor conviction, can have serious consequences, which can last long after the defendant has served a jail sentence or paid a fine. If you are charged with any crime, you should contact a local criminal defense attorney in Utah. An attorney can tell you how your case is likely to fare in court and how to best protect your rights.