The Age of Consent
Utah Code 76-5-401 — an adult with a minor at least 14 but under 16 commits a felony, reduced for small age gaps
| The minor | The other person | The charge |
|---|---|---|
| The minorAt least 14, under 16 | The other person18 or older | The chargeThird degree felony; class B misdemeanor if less than four years older or 18 and in high school; class A if younger than 21 |
| The minor16 or 17 | The other personSeven to under 10 years older, knowing the age | The chargeThird degree felony for intercourse, class A misdemeanor for touching |
| The minor16 or 17 | The other person10 or more years older | The chargeThird degree felony for intercourse, class A misdemeanor for touching, whether or not the age was known |
Who handles this in Utah: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Utah directory.
The reduced levels apply only when the defendant proves the mitigating fact. Younger children, rape and other charges are in other sections not covered here. A charge, or the worry of one, is a question for a licensed Utah attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Utah Code 76-5-401 — Unlawful sexual activity with a minor -- Penalties
- Utah Code 76-5-401.2 — Unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old -- Penalties -- Limitations
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Utah attorney.