WHAT EACH CHARGE CARRIES
33 charges people actually meet, each with the section it comes from, what it requires the state to show, and the most it can carry. Utah grades offenses as infractions, three classes of misdemeanor, C, B and A, and three degrees of felony, third, second and first. Each level here gives its range from the Criminal Code's sentencing sections.
33 charges
Driving under the influence
B MISD to F3 · up to five years
Also searched as DUI, drunk driving, extreme DUI
Operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .05 grams or greater, or under the influence to a degree that makes safe driving impossible.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenWith a passenger under 16, a passenger under 18 when the driver is 21 or older, or one prior conviction within 10 years |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenWith two or more prior convictions within 10 years, or after a felony DUI conviction |
A first conviction carries at least two days in jail or 48 hours of compensatory service and a fine of not less than $700.
Refusing a chemical test
B MISD to F3 · up to five years
Also searched as refusal, refusing a blood draw
Refusing a blood test after the refusal warning has been given and a court has issued a warrant to draw and test the blood.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenWith a passenger under 16, or one prior conviction within 10 years |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenWith two or more prior convictions within 10 years |
Sentenced as a DUI with 24 consecutive hours more jail and a fine $100 higher.
Driving with a measurable controlled substance
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as metabolite DUI, drugged driving
Operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle with any measurable controlled substance or metabolite in the body, where the conduct is not a DUI.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Reckless driving
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as 105 mph
Operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, which includes 105 miles per hour or greater.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Careless driving
INFRACTION · no imprisonment
Also searched as distracted driving
Two or more moving violations in one stretch of three miles or less, or a moving violation while distracted by something in the vehicle unrelated to driving.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| INFRACTIONInfraction | No imprisonment$750 fine | WhenA violation |
Failing to stop at an accident
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as hit and run, leaving the scene
Leaving a crash without stopping, giving the required information, and notifying police where the section requires it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA crash with property damage only |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenA crash in which someone was injured |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenA crash causing serious bodily injury |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenA crash causing a death |
Failure to respond to an officer's signal to stop
F3 to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as fleeing, evading police
Driving in willful or wanton disregard of an officer's signal to stop so as to endanger others, or knowingly trying to flee or elude the officer.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenA violation, with a fine of not less than $1,000 |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenCausing death or serious bodily injury, with a fine of not less than $5,000 |
Operating a motor vehicle without owner's or operator's security
C MISD · up to 90 days
Also searched as no insurance
Driving, or letting someone drive, a vehicle without the required security in effect, or not displaying evidence of it on demand.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$750 fine | WhenA violation, with a fine of not less than $400, or $1,000 within three years of an earlier conviction |
Driving while the privilege is suspended or revoked
C MISD to B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as driving on suspended, DUS
Driving on Utah highways while the driving privilege is denied, suspended, disqualified or revoked.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$750 fine | WhenA violation |
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenWhen the suspension was for a DUI, a refusal or another offense the section lists |
Driving without a license
INFRACTION to B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as unlicensed driving
Driving a motor vehicle on a highway without being licensed by the Driver License Division or covered by an exception.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| INFRACTIONInfraction | No imprisonment$750 fine | WhenA violation |
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenAfter an earlier conviction under the section |
Using a wireless communication device while driving
C MISD to B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as texting and driving, phone ticket
Manually texting, dialing, browsing, recording, or reading or viewing on a device while driving a moving vehicle, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$100 fine | WhenA violation, with a maximum fine of $100 |
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenCausing serious bodily injury, or a second violation within three years |
Drinking or an open container in a motor vehicle
C MISD · up to 90 days
Also searched as open container
Drinking while driving or riding, or having an opened alcoholic beverage container in the passenger compartment, on a highway.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$750 fine | WhenA violation |
Passing a stopped school bus
C MISD · up to 90 days
Also searched as school bus violation
Not stopping for a school bus flashing its red lights, or not slowing for its amber ones, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$750 fine | WhenA violation, with a minimum of $1,000 and 10 hours of compensatory service the first time |
Assault
B MISD to A MISD · up to one year
Also searched as simple assault
Attempting with unlawful force to injure someone, or an act with unlawful force that injures them or creates a substantial risk of it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor against the individual | Up to one year$2,500 fine | WhenCausing substantial bodily injury, or against a person known to be pregnant |
Aggravated assault
F3 to F1 · up to five years to life
Also searched as assault with a deadly weapon, strangulation
An assault or threat involving a dangerous weapon, a motor vehicle, impeding breathing or circulation, or other means likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenResulting in serious bodily injury, or a choking that causes loss of consciousness |
| F1First degree felony | Five years to life$10,000 fine | WhenTargeting a law enforcement officer and causing serious bodily injury |
Stalking
A MISD to F3 · up to five years
Also searched as cyberstalking
A course of conduct aimed at a specific person that the actor knows, or is reckless as to whether, would cause a reasonable person fear or emotional distress.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor against the individual | Up to one year$2,500 fine | WhenA first violation |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenWith a prior stalking conviction, among other circumstances the section lists |
Harassment
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as threatening letter
Communicating a written or recorded threat to commit a violent felony, intending to frighten or harass.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Electronic communication harassment
B MISD to A MISD · up to 364 days
Also searched as harassing texts, phone harassment
Repeated or unwanted electronic contact, insults likely to provoke violence, or threats, with intent to intimidate, abuse, threaten, harass or frighten.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenA second or later violation |
Hazing
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as
Endangering, brutal or degrading acts for initiation or membership in an organization, or against a member of a school team or organization.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenInvolving a motor vehicle, alcohol or a drug |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenInvolving a dangerous weapon, or causing serious bodily injury |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenCausing serious bodily injury with a dangerous weapon |
Theft
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as stealing, larceny
Obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over another person's property with a purpose to deprive them of it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenLess than $500 |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | When$500 or more but less than $1,500 |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | When$1,500 or more but less than $5,000 |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | When$5,000 or more, a firearm, an operable motor vehicle, or from the person of another |
Retail theft
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as shoplifting
Knowingly taking, concealing or carrying away merchandise, switching tags, moving goods to another container, or under ringing, to avoid paying.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenLess than $500, with no aggravating history |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | When$500 or more but less than $1,500 |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | When$1,500 or more but less than $5,000 |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | When$5,000 or more, or a firearm or operable motor vehicle |
Criminal trespass
B MISD to A MISD · up to 364 days
Also searched as trespassing
Entering or remaining unlawfully with intent to annoy, injure or commit a crime, or after notice against entry by the owner, fencing or signs.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenCommitted in a dwelling |
Identity fraud
F3 to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as identity theft
Knowingly or intentionally using, or trying to use, another person's personal identifying information with fraudulent intent.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenLess than $5,000 |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | When$5,000 or more, or a use resulting in bodily injury |
Disorderly conduct
INFRACTION to B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as disturbing the peace
Refusing a lawful order to move, fighting, unreasonable noise or obstructing traffic, intending or recklessly risking public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| INFRACTIONInfraction | No imprisonment$750 fine | WhenA violation |
| C MISDClass C misdemeanor | Up to 90 days$750 fine | WhenAfter being asked to stop |
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenAfter being asked to stop, with a conviction under the section in the five years before |
Interference with a peace officer
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as resisting arrest, obstruction
Interfering with a lawful arrest or detention by force or a weapon, or by refusing a lawful order the arrest needs or refusing to stop impeding it.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Failure to disclose identity
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as refusing to give my name
Refusing during a lawful stop to give a name or date of birth an officer demands for a reason related to the stop, where answering would not risk self incrimination.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Failure to stop at a checkpoint
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as running a checkpoint
Intentionally and knowingly passing, without stopping as required, an administrative traffic checkpoint a magistrate has authorized.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Unlawfully possessing or using a controlled substance
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as possession, marijuana possession
Knowingly and intentionally possessing or using a controlled substance not obtained by a valid prescription, from a practitioner, or as the law otherwise allows.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenMarijuana, or another substance not in a higher tier |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenA Schedule I or II substance other than marijuana, a first or second conviction |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenThe same as a third conviction, each prior within seven years |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenMarijuana in an amount of 100 pounds or more |
Unlawful use of drug paraphernalia
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as paraphernalia, pipe
Using, or possessing with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to grow, make, store, conceal or take a controlled substance unlawfully.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Restricted person participating in prohibited dangerous weapon conduct
A MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as felon in possession, prohibited person with a gun
A category I or category II restricted person possessing, using or controlling a firearm or other dangerous weapon.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenCategory II, a dangerous weapon other than a firearm |
| F3Third degree felony | Up to five years$5,000 fine | WhenCategory I with a weapon other than a firearm, or category II with a firearm |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenCategory I with a firearm |
Unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm by an individual under 21
B MISD to F2 · up to one to 15 years
Also searched as underage concealed carry
Carrying a readily accessible firearm concealed while under 21, without a provisional or other state permit, outside the places the section excepts.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenWith the firearm loaded |
| F2Second degree felony | One to 15 years$10,000 fine | WhenWith the firearm used in a violent felony the actor took part in |
Carrying a dangerous weapon at an elementary or secondary school
B MISD to A MISD · up to 364 days
Also searched as gun at school
Carrying a dangerous weapon on or about school premises knowing or reasonably believing it is a school, outside the section's exceptions.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA weapon other than a firearm |
| A MISDClass A misdemeanor | Up to 364 days$2,500 fine | WhenA firearm |
Carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence
B MISD · up to six months
Also searched as drunk with a gun
Carrying a readily accessible dangerous weapon while over the driving alcohol limit or under the influence of a controlled substance.
| Level | Up to | When |
|---|---|---|
| B MISDClass B misdemeanor | Up to six months$1,000 fine | WhenA violation |
Every level on this page, for reference
Felony terms are indeterminate terms unless the offense's own statute provides otherwise. A class A misdemeanor in the chapter on offenses against the individual carries up to one year, except the few the sentencing section names.
- INFRACTIONInfractionNo imprisonment$750
- C MISDClass C misdemeanorUp to 90 days$750
- B MISDClass B misdemeanorUp to six months$1,000
- A MISDClass A misdemeanorUp to 364 days$2,500
- A MISDClass A misdemeanor against the individualUp to one year$2,500
- F3Third degree felonyUp to five years$5,000
- F2Second degree felonyOne to 15 years$10,000
- F1First degree felonyFive years to life$10,000
Words on a charging document
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class B misdemeanorThe middle misdemeanor class, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000; a first DUI, assault and most traffic misdemeanors sit here.
- Clean slateExpungement a court orders without a petition for qualifying misdemeanor cases after a set period: five years for a class C or infraction, six for a class B, seven for a class A drug possession.
- InfractionThe lowest level of offense, which may not be punished by imprisonment, only by a fine of up to $750, forfeiture or disqualification.
- Third degree felonyThe lowest felony degree, with an indeterminate prison term of not more than five years and a fine of up to $5,000.
About this guide — maximums, not predictions. What a specific case carries turns on priors, the facts, and the court, and only a licensed Utah attorney can tell you what yours is. Current as of October 2026.