reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 1 - Breaches of the Peace and Related Offenses › Section 109 - Targeted residential picketing.

Effective 5/5/2021
76-9-109.
Targeted residential picketing.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Picketing" means the stationing or posting of one or more individuals to apprise the public, vocally or by standing or marching with signs, banners, sound amplification devices, or other means, of an opinion or a message.
(b) "Residence" means any single-family, duplex, or multi-family dwelling unit that is not being used as a targeted occupant's sole place of business or as a place of public meeting.
(c) "Targeted residential picketing" means picketing, with or without signs, that is specifically directed or focused toward a residence, or one or more occupants of the residence, and that takes place:
(i) on that portion of a sidewalk or street in front of the residence, in front of an adjoining residence, or on either side of the targeted residence; or
(ii) within 100 feet of the property line of the targeted residence.
(2) It is unlawful to engage in targeted residential picketing.
(3) This section does not apply to:
(a) an individual picketing at the individual's own residence;
(b) the picketing of a meeting place or assembly area commonly used to discuss subjects of general public interest; or
(c) general picketing that proceeds through residential neighborhoods or that proceeds past residences.
(4) It is unlawful to publish, post, disseminate, or disclose an individual's residential address, or other information identifying the specific location of an individual's residence, with the intent to cause another individual to engage in targeted residential picketing.
(5) Targeted residential picketing is a class B misdemeanor.
(6) A violation of Subsection (4) is a class B misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 174, 2021 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 2 - Electronic Communication and Telephone Abuse › Section 203 - Penalty for online impersonation.

Effective 5/5/2021
76-9-203.
Penalty for online impersonation.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Commercial social networking website" means a person who operates a website that allows a person to register as a user for the purpose of:
(i) establishing a personal relationship with one or more other users through direct or real time communication with the other user; or
(ii) the creation of web pages or profiles available to the public or to other users.
(b) "Commercial social networking website" does not include an electronic mail program or a message board program.
(2) It is a criminal offense for a person to use the name or persona of an individual:
(a) without the individual's consent;
(b)
(i) to create a web page on a commercial social networking website or other website; or
(ii) to post or send a message on or through a commercial social networking website or other website, other than on or through an electronic mail program or message board program;
(c) with the intent to cause an individual to reasonably believe that the individual whose name or persona is used authorized or performed the applicable action described in Subsection (2)(b); and
(d) with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten any individual.
(3)
(a) An offense under this section is a class A misdemeanor.
(b) A second or subsequent offense under this section is a third degree felony.
(4) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person is one of the following entities or that the person's conduct consisted solely of action taken as an employee of one of the following entities:
(a) a commercial social networking website;
(b) an Internet service provider;
(c) an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. Sec. 230;
(d) a telecommunications provider, as defined in Section 10-1-402;
(e) a cable television service;
(f) an entity that provides cable television service, as defined in Section 10-18-102; or
(g) a law enforcement agency engaged in lawful practices.
Enacted by Chapter 152, 2021 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.1 - Dog fighting -- Training dogs for fighting -- Dog fighting exhibitions.

76-9-301.1.
Dog fighting -- Training dogs for fighting -- Dog fighting exhibitions.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to:
(a) own, possess, keep, or train a dog with the intent to engage it in an exhibition of fighting with another dog;
(b) cause a dog to fight with another dog or cause a dog to injure another dog for amusement or gain;
(c) tie, attach, or fasten any live animal to a machine or device propelled by any power, for the purpose of causing the animal to be pursued by a dog; or
(d) permit or allow any act which violates Subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) on any premises under his charge; or to control, aid, or abet any such act.
(2) Possession of any breaking stick, treadmill, wheel, hot walker, cat mill, cat walker, jenni, or other paraphernalia together with evidence that the paraphernalia is being used or is intended for use in the unlawful training of a dog to fight with another dog, together with the possession of any such dog, is prima facie evidence of violation of Subsections (1)(b) and (c).
(3) A person who violates Subsection (1) is guilty of a third degree felony, and any fine imposed may not exceed $25,000.
(4) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally be present as a spectator at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for an exhibition of dog fighting, or to knowingly and intentionally be present at a dog fighting exhibition or any other occurrence of fighting or injury described in this section. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
(5) Nothing in this section prohibits any of the following:
(a) the use of dogs for management of livestock by the owner, his employees or agents, or any other person in the lawful custody of livestock;
(b) the use of dogs for hunting; or
(c) the training of dogs or the possession or use of equipment in the training of dogs for any purpose not prohibited by law.
Amended by Chapter 324, 2010 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.3 - Game fowl fighting.

Effective 5/12/2015
76-9-301.3.
Game fowl fighting.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Game fowl" means a fowl reared or used for fighting other fowl.
(b) "Promote" means to engage in promoting, producing, or staging events or activities that involve game fowl fighting.
(2) It is unlawful for a person to:
(a) intentionally cause a game fowl to fight with or attack another game fowl for the purpose of entertainment, sport, or contest; or
(b) promote any activity that involves game fowl fighting, including promoting an activity that is a violation of Subsection (2)(a).
(3) A person who violates Subsection (2) is, upon conviction, guilty of:
(a) a class B misdemeanor for the first violation;
(b) a class A misdemeanor for the second violation; or
(c) a third degree felony for a third or subsequent violation.
(4) This section does not prohibit the lawful use of livestock by the livestock owner, an employee or agent of the livestock owner, or a person in the lawful custody of livestock.
Enacted by Chapter 329, 2015 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.5 - Spectator at organized animal fighting exhibitions.

76-9-301.5.
Spectator at organized animal fighting exhibitions.
It is unlawful for a person to knowingly be present as a spectator at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of animals, as prohibited by Subsections 76-9-301(2)(d) and (e), or to be present at such exhibition, regardless of whether any entrance fee has been charged. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 292, 2008 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.6 - Dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.

76-9-301.6.
Dog fighting exhibition -- Authority to arrest and take possession of dogs and property.
(1) A peace officer as defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, may enter any place, building, or tenement where an exhibition of dog fighting is occurring, or where preparations are being made for such an exhibition and, without a warrant, arrest all persons present.
(2)
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 76-9-305, any authorized officer who makes an arrest under Subsection (1) may lawfully take possession of all dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property or things used or employed, or to be employed, in an exhibition of dog fighting prohibited by Subsection 76-9-301(2)(e) or Section 76-9-301.1.
(b) The officer, at the time of the taking of property pursuant to Subsection (2)(a), shall state his name and provide other identifying information to the person in charge of the dogs or property taken.
(3)
(a) After taking possession of dogs, paraphernalia, implements, or other property or things under Subsection (2), the officer shall file an affidavit with the judge or magistrate before whom a complaint has been made against any person arrested under this section.
(b) The affidavit shall include:
(i) the name of the person charged in the complaint;
(ii) a description of all property taken;
(iii) the time and place of the taking of the property;
(iv) the name of the person from whom the property was taken;
(v) the name of the person who claims to own the property, if known; and
(vi) a statement that the officer has reason to believe and believes that the property taken was used or employed, or was to be used or employed, in violation of Section 76-9-301 or 76-9-301.1, and the grounds for the belief.
(4)
(a) The officer shall deliver the confiscated property to the judge or magistrate who shall, by order, place the property in the custody of the officer or any other person designated in the order, and that person shall keep the property until conviction or final discharge of the person against whom the complaint was made.
(b) The person designated in Subsection (4)(a) shall assume immediate custody of the property, and retain the property until further order of the court.
(c) Upon conviction of the person charged, all confiscated property shall be forfeited and destroyed or otherwise disposed of, as the court may order.
(d) If the person charged is acquitted or discharged without conviction, the court shall, on demand, order the property to be returned to its owner.
Amended by Chapter 292, 2008 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.7 - Cruelty to animals -- Enhanced penalties.

76-9-301.7.
Cruelty to animals -- Enhanced penalties.
(1) As used in this section, "conviction" means a conviction by plea or by verdict, including a plea of guilty or no contest that is held in abeyance under Title 77, Chapter 2a, Pleas in Abeyance, regardless of whether the charge was, or is, subsequently reduced or dismissed in accordance with the plea in abeyance agreement.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (4), a person who commits any violation of Section 76-9-301, Section 76-9-301.5, or Subsection 76-9-301.1(4) within the state and on at least one previous occasion has been convicted of violating Section 76-9-301, Section 76-9-301.5, or Subsection 76-9-301.1(4) shall be subject to an enhanced penalty as provided in Subsection (3).
(3) The enhanced degree of offense for offenses committed under this section are:
(a) if the offense is a class C misdemeanor, it is a class B misdemeanor; and
(b) if the offense is a class B misdemeanor, it is a class A misdemeanor.
(4) The penalty enhancements described in this section do not apply to a conviction for the offense described in Subsection 76-9-301(6).
Amended by Chapter 292, 2008 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 301.8 - Bestiality -- Definitions -- Penalty.

76-9-301.8.
Bestiality -- Definitions -- Penalty.
(1) A person commits the crime of bestiality if the actor engages in any sexual activity with an animal with the intent of sexual gratification of the actor.
(2) For purposes of this section only:
(a) "Animal" means any live, nonhuman vertebrate creature, including fowl.
(b) "Sexual activity" means physical sexual contact:
(i) between the actor and the animal involving the genitals of the actor and the genitals of the animal;
(ii) the genitals of the actor or the animal and the mouth or anus of the actor or the animal; or
(iii) through the actor's use of an object in contact with the genitals or anus of the animal.
(3) A crime of bestiality is a class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 302, 1999 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 304 - Allowing vicious animal to go at large.

76-9-304.
Allowing vicious animal to go at large.
Any owner of a vicious animal, knowing its propensities, who willfully allows it to go at large or who keeps it without ordinary care, and any animal, while at large, or while not kept with ordinary care, causes injury to another animal or to any human being who has taken reasonable precaution which the circumstances permitted, is guilty of a class B misdemeanor unless the animal causes the death of a human being, whereupon the owner is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Chapter 87, 1977 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 305 - Officer's authority to take possession of animals -- Lien for care.

76-9-305.
Officer's authority to take possession of animals -- Lien for care.
(1) Any law enforcement officer may take possession of any animals being treated cruelly and, after reasonable efforts to notify the owner, may provide shelter and care for them or upon permission from the owner may destroy them.
(2) Officers caring for animals pursuant to this section have a lien for the reasonable value of the care and/or destruction. Any court upon proof that the owner has been notified of the lien and amount due, at least five days prior, shall order the animal sold at public auction or destroyed.
(3) Any law enforcement officer may humanely destroy any animal found suffering past recovery for any useful purpose. Before destroying the animal the officer shall obtain the judgment to the effect of a veterinarian, or of two reputable citizens called by him to view the animal in his presence, or shall obtain consent to the destruction from the owner of the animal.
Amended by Chapter 87, 1977 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 306 - Police service canine -- Causing injury or interfering with handler -- Penalties.

Effective 5/8/2018
76-9-306.
Police service canine -- Causing injury or interfering with handler -- Penalties.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Handler" means a law enforcement officer who is specially trained, and uses a police service canine during the course of the performance of his law enforcement duties.
(b) "Police service canine" means any dog used by a law enforcement agency, which is specially trained for law enforcement work, or any animal contracted to assist a law enforcement agency in the performance of law enforcement duties.
(2) It is a second degree felony for a person to intentionally or knowingly cause death to a police service canine.
(3) It is a third degree felony for a person to intentionally or knowingly:
(a) cause bodily injury to a police service canine;
(b) engage in conduct likely to cause bodily injury or death to a police service canine; or
(c) lay out, place, or administer any poison, trap, substance, or object which is likely to produce bodily injury or death to a police service canine.
(4) It is a class A misdemeanor for a person to intentionally or knowingly:
(a) taunt, torment, strike, or otherwise assault a police service canine;
(b) throw any object or substance at, or in the path of, a police service canine;
(c) interfere with or obstruct a police service canine, or attempt to, or interfere with the handler of the canine in a manner that inhibits, restricts, or deprives the handler of control of the canine;
(d) release a police service canine from its area of control, such as a vehicle, kennel, or pen, or trespass in that area; or
(e) place any food, object, or substance into a police service canine's area of control without the permission of the handler.
(5) A police service canine is exempt from quarantine or other animal control ordinances if it bites any person while under proper police supervision or routine veterinary care. The law enforcement agency and the canine's handler shall make the canine available for examination at any reasonable time and shall notify the local health officer if the canine exhibits any abnormal behavior.
(6) In addition to any other penalty, a person convicted of a violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owning or employing law enforcement agency or individual owner of the police service canine for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section.
Amended by Chapter 264, 2018 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 307 - Injury to service animals -- Penalties.

Effective 5/3/2023
76-9-307.
Injury to service animals -- Penalties.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Disability" has the same meaning as defined in Section 26B-6-801.
(b) "Search and rescue dog" means a dog:
(i) with documented training to locate persons who are:
(A) lost, missing, or injured; or
(B) trapped under debris as the result of a natural or man-made event; and
(ii) affiliated with an established search and rescue dog organization.
(c) "Service animal" means:
(i) a service animal as defined in Section 26B-6-801; or
(ii) a search and rescue dog.
(2) It is a class A misdemeanor for a person to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause substantial bodily injury or death to a service animal.
(3) It is a class A misdemeanor for a person who owns, keeps, harbors, or exercises control over an animal to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fail to exercise sufficient control over the animal to prevent it from causing:
(a) any substantial bodily injury or the death of a service animal; or
(b) the service animal's subsequent inability to function as a service animal as a result of the animal's attacking, chasing, or harassing the service animal.
(4) It is a class B misdemeanor for a person to chase or harass a service animal.
(5) It is a class B misdemeanor for a person who owns, keeps, harbors, or exercises control over an animal to knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly fail to exercise sufficient control over the animal to prevent it from chasing or harassing a service animal while it is carrying out its functions as a service animal, to the extent that the animal temporarily interferes with the service animal's ability to carry out its functions.
(6)
(a) A service animal is exempt from quarantine or other animal control ordinances if it bites any person while it is subject to an offense under Subsection (2), (3), (4), or (5).
(b) The owner of the service animal or the person with a disability whom the service animal serves shall make the animal available for examination at any reasonable time and shall notify the local health officer if the animal exhibits any abnormal behavior.
(7) In addition to any other penalty, a person convicted of any violation of this section is liable for restitution to the owner of the service animal or the person with a disability whom the service animal serves for the replacement, training, and veterinary costs incurred as a result of the violation of this section.
(8) If the act committed under this section amounts to an offense subject to a greater penalty under another provision of Title 76, Utah Criminal Code, than is provided under this section, this section does not prohibit prosecution and sentencing for the more serious offense.
Amended by Chapter 330, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 3 - Cruelty to Animals › Section 308 - Harassment of livestock.

Effective 5/3/2023
76-9-308.
Harassment of livestock.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Livestock" has the same meaning as that term is defined in Subsection 76-9-301(1).
(b) "Unmanned aircraft system" means the same as that term is defined in Section 72-10-102.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (3), a person is guilty of harassment of livestock if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly chases, with the intent of causing distress, or harms livestock through the use of:
(a) a motorized vehicle or all-terrain vehicle;
(b) a dog; or
(c) an unmanned aircraft system.
(3) A person is not guilty of harassment of livestock if:
(a) the person is:
(i) the owner of the livestock;
(ii) an employee or agent of the owner, or otherwise acting under the owner's general direction or with the owner's permission;
(iii) acting in an emergency situation to prevent damage to the livestock or property; or
(iv) an employee or agent of the state or a political subdivision and acting in the employee or agent's official capacity; or
(b) the action is in line with generally accepted animal husbandry practices.
(4) A person who violates this section is guilty of:
(a) a class B misdemeanor if the violation is a first offense and:
(i) no livestock is seriously injured or killed as a result of the person's actions; or
(ii) the person's actions cause the livestock to be displaced onto property where the livestock is not legally entitled to be; and
(b) a class A misdemeanor if:
(i) the person has previously been convicted of harassment of livestock under this section;
(ii) livestock is seriously injured or killed as a result of the person's actions; or
(iii) livestock or property suffered damage in excess of $1,000, including money spent in recovering the livestock, as a result of the person's actions.
Amended by Chapter 216, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 4 - Offenses Against Privacy › Section 401 - Definitions.

76-9-401.
Definitions.
For purposes of this part:
(1) "Private place" means a place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or surveillance.
(2) "Eavesdrop" means to overhear, record, amplify, or transmit any part of a wire or oral communication of others without the consent of at least one party thereto by means of any electronic, mechanical, or other device.
(3) "Public" includes any professional or social group of which the victim of a defamation is a member.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 4 - Offenses Against Privacy › Section 403 - Communication Abuse.

76-9-403.
Communication Abuse.
(1) A person commits communication abuse if, except as authorized by law, he:
(a) Intercepts, without the consent of the sender or receiver, a message by telephone, telegraph, letter, or other means of communicating privately; this paragraph does not extend to:
(i) Overhearing of messages through a regularly installed instrument on a telephone party line or on an extension; or
(ii) Interception by the telephone company or subscriber incident to enforcement of regulations limiting use of the facilities or to other normal operation and use; or
(b) Divulges without consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor knows that the message was illegally intercepted or if he learned of the message in the course of employment with an agency engaged in transmitting it.
(2) Communication abuse is a class B misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 4 - Offenses Against Privacy › Section 404 - Criminal defamation.

76-9-404.
Criminal defamation.
(1) A person is guilty of criminal defamation if he knowingly communicates to any person orally or in writing any information which he knows to be false and knows will tend to expose any other living person to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.
(2) Criminal defamation is a class B misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 4 - Offenses Against Privacy › Section 406 - Injunctive relief against privacy offenses -- Damages.

76-9-406.
Injunctive relief against privacy offenses -- Damages.
Any person, or the heirs of any deceased person, who has been injured by a violation of this part may bring an action against the person who committed the violation. If in the action the court finds the defendant is violating or has violated any of the provisions of this part, it shall enjoin the defendant from a continuance thereof. It shall not be necessary that actual damages to the plaintiffs be alleged or proved, but if damages are alleged and proved, the plaintiff in the action shall be entitled to recover from the defendant the actual damages, if any, sustained in addition to injunctive relief. A finding that the defendant is in violation of this part shall entitle the plaintiff to reasonable attorney's fees. Exemplary damages may be awarded where the violation is found to be malicious.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 4 - Offenses Against Privacy › Section 407 - Crime of abuse of personal identity -- Penalty -- Defense -- Permitting civil action.

76-9-407.
Crime of abuse of personal identity -- Penalty -- Defense -- Permitting civil action.
(1) The definitions in Section 45-3-2 apply to this section.
(2) Any person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor who knowingly or intentionally causes the publication of an advertisement in which the personal identity of an individual is used in a manner which expresses or implies that the individual approves, endorses, has endorsed, or will endorse the specific subject matter of the advertisement without the consent for such use by the individual.
(3) It is an affirmative defense that the person causing the publication of the advertisement reasonably believed that the person whose personal identity was to be used had consented to its use.
(4) Upon conviction of an offense under this section, unless waived by the victim, the court shall order that, within 30 days of the conviction, the person convicted shall issue a public apology or retraction to whomever received the advertisement. The apology or retraction shall be of similar size and placement as the original advertisement.
(5) Nothing in this section prohibits a civil action under Title 45, Chapter 3, Abuse of Personal Identity Act.
Enacted by Chapter 146, 1999 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 5 - Libel › Section 504 - Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.

76-9-504.
Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.
No reporter, editor, or proprietor of any newspaper, and no owner, licensee, or operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting station, or network of stations, nor the agents or employees of a newspaper or broadcasting station, is liable to any prosecution for a fair and true report or broadcast of any judicial, legislative, or other public official proceedings, or of any statement, speech, argument, or debate in course of the same, except upon proof of malice in making the report, which shall not be implied from the mere fact of publication. In no event shall any owner, licensee, or operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting station or network of stations, or the agents or employees thereof, be liable for prosecution for any defamatory matter or statement published or uttered in such radio or television broadcast where the publication cannot be censored by reason of the provisions of federal statute or the regulations of the federal communications commission.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 5 - Libel › Section 505 - Libelous matter not privileged.

76-9-505.
Libelous matter not privileged.
Libelous remarks or comments connected with matter privileged by the next preceding section receive no privilege by reason of their being so connected.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 5 - Libel › Section 506 - Privilege as to communications between interested persons.

76-9-506.
Privilege as to communications between interested persons.
A communication made to a person interested in the communication by one who is also interested, or who stands in a relation to the former as to afford a reasonable ground for supposing his motive innocent, is not presumed to be malicious, and is a privileged communication.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 5 - Libel › Section 509 - Conveying false or libelous material to newspaper or broadcasting stations.

76-9-509.
Conveying false or libelous material to newspaper or broadcasting stations.
Any person who willfully states, conveys, delivers, or transmits, by any means whatsoever, to the manager, editor, publisher, reporter, or agent of any radio station, television station, newspaper, magazine, periodical, or serial for publication therein, any false or libelous statement concerning any person, and thereby secures actual publication of the same, is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 6 - Offenses Against the Flag › Section 601 - Abuse of a flag.

76-9-601.
Abuse of a flag.
(1) A person is guilty of abuse of a flag if he:
(a) Intentionally places any unauthorized inscription or other thing upon any flag of the United States or of any state of the United States; or
(b) Knowingly exhibits any such flag, knowing the inscription or other thing to be unauthorized; or
(c) For purposes of advertising a product or service for sale or for distribution, affixes a representation of the flag of the United States or of a state of the United States to the product or on any display whereon the product or service is advertised; or
(d) Knowingly casts contempt upon the flag of the United States or of any state of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it.
(2) Abuse of a flag is a class B misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 702 - Lewdness.

Effective 5/3/2023
76-9-702.
Lewdness.
(1) A person is guilty of lewdness if the person under circumstances not amounting to rape, object rape, forcible sodomy, forcible sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old, custodial sexual relations under Section 76-5-412, custodial sexual misconduct under Section 76-5-412.2, custodial sexual relations with youth receiving state services under Section 76-5-413, custodial sexual misconduct with youth receiving state services under Section 76-5-413.2, or an attempt to commit any of these offenses, performs any of the following acts in a public place or under circumstances which the person should know will likely cause affront or alarm to, on, or in the presence of another who is 14 years old or older:
(a) an act of sexual intercourse or sodomy;
(b) exposes his or her genitals, the female breast below the top of the areola, the buttocks, the anus, or the pubic area;
(c) masturbates; or
(d) any other act of lewdness.
(2)
(a) A person convicted the first or second time of a violation of Subsection (1) is guilty of a class B misdemeanor, except under Subsection (2)(b).
(b) A person convicted of a violation of Subsection (1) is guilty of a third degree felony if at the time of the violation:
(i) the person is a sex offender as defined in Section 77-27-21.7;
(ii) the person has been previously convicted two or more times of violating Subsection (1); or
(iii) the person has previously been convicted of a violation of Subsection (1) and has also previously been convicted of a violation of Section 76-9-702.5.
(c)
(i) For purposes of this Subsection (2) and Subsection 77-41-102(18), a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge under this section that is held in abeyance under Title 77, Chapter 2a, Pleas in Abeyance, is the equivalent of a conviction.
(ii) This Subsection (2)(c) also applies if the charge under this Subsection (2) has been subsequently reduced or dismissed in accordance with the plea in abeyance agreement.
(3) A woman's breast feeding, including breast feeding in any location where the woman otherwise may rightfully be, does not under any circumstance constitute a lewd act, irrespective of whether or not the breast is covered during or incidental to feeding.
Amended by Chapter 123, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 702.1 - Sexual battery.

Effective 5/3/2023
76-9-702.1.
Sexual battery.
(1) A person is guilty of sexual battery if the person, under circumstances not amounting to an offense under Subsection (2), intentionally touches, whether or not through clothing, the anus, buttocks, or any part of the genitals of another person, or the breast of a female person, and the actor's conduct is under circumstances the actor knows or should know will likely cause affront or alarm to the person touched.
(2) Offenses referred to in Subsection (1) are:
(a) rape, Section 76-5-402;
(b) rape of a child, Section 76-5-402.1;
(c) object rape, Section 76-5-402.2;
(d) object rape of a child, Section 76-5-402.3;
(e) forcible sodomy, Subsection 76-5-403(2);
(f) sodomy on a child, Section 76-5-403.1;
(g) forcible sexual abuse, Section 76-5-404;
(h) sexual abuse of a child, Section 76-5-404.1;
(i) aggravated sexual abuse of a child, Section 76-5-404.3;
(j) aggravated sexual assault, Section 76-5-405; and
(k) an attempt to commit any offense under this Subsection (2).
(3) Sexual battery is a class A misdemeanor.
(4)
(a) For purposes of Subsection 77-41-102(18) only, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge under this section that is held in abeyance under Title 77, Chapter 2a, Pleas in Abeyance, is the equivalent of a conviction.
(b) This Subsection (4) also applies if the charge under this section has been subsequently reduced or dismissed in accordance with the plea in abeyance agreement.
Amended by Chapter 123, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 702.3 - Public urination.

Effective 5/10/2016
76-9-702.3.
Public urination.
(1) A person is guilty of public urination if the person urinates or defecates:
(a) in a public place, other than a public rest room; and
(b) under circumstances which the person should know will likely cause affront or alarm to another.
(2) Public urination is an infraction.
Amended by Chapter 303, 2016 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 702.5 - Lewdness involving a child.

Effective 5/4/2022
76-9-702.5.
Lewdness involving a child.
(1) As used in this section, "in the presence of" includes within visual contact through an electronic device.
(2) A person is guilty of lewdness involving a child if the person under circumstances not amounting to rape of a child, object rape of a child, sodomy upon a child, sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, or an attempt to commit any of those offenses, intentionally or knowingly:
(a) does any of the following in the presence of a child who is under 14 years of age:
(i) performs an act of sexual intercourse or sodomy;
(ii) exposes his or her genitals, the female breast below the top of the areola, the buttocks, the anus, or the pubic area:
(A) in a public place; or
(B) in a private place under circumstances the person should know will likely cause affront or alarm or with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the actor or the child;
(iii) masturbates; or
(iv) performs any other act of lewdness; or
(b) under circumstances not amounting to sexual exploitation of a child under Section 76-5b-201 or aggravated sexual exploitation of a child under Section 76-5b-201.1, causes a child under the age of 14 years to expose his or her genitals, anus, or breast, if female, to the actor, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the actor or the child.
(3)
(a) Lewdness involving a child is a class A misdemeanor, except under Subsection (3)(b).
(b) Lewdness involving a child is a third degree felony if at the time of the violation:
(i) the person is a sex offender as defined in Section 77-27-21.7; or
(ii) the person has previously been convicted of a violation of this section.
Amended by Chapter 185, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 702.7 - Voyeurism offenses -- Penalties.

Effective 5/3/2023
76-9-702.7.
Voyeurism offenses -- Penalties.
(1) A person is guilty of voyeurism who intentionally uses any type of technology to secretly or surreptitiously record, by video, photograph, or other means, an individual:
(a) for the purpose of viewing any portion of the individual's body regarding which the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether or not that portion of the body is covered with clothing;
(b) without the knowledge or consent of the individual; and
(c) under circumstances in which the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) A violation of Subsection (1) is a class A misdemeanor, except that a violation of Subsection (1) committed against a child under 14 years of age is a third degree felony.
(3) Distribution or sale of any images, including in print, electronic, magnetic, or digital format, obtained under Subsection (1) by transmission, display, or dissemination is a third degree felony, except that if the violation of this Subsection (3) includes images of a child under 14 years of age, the violation is a second degree felony.
(4) A person is guilty of voyeurism who, under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Subsection (1), views or attempts to view an individual, with or without the use of any instrumentality:
(a) with the intent of viewing any portion of the individual's body regarding which the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether or not that portion of the body is covered with clothing;
(b) without the knowledge or consent of the individual; and
(c) under circumstances in which the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(5) A violation of Subsection (4) is a class B misdemeanor, except that a violation of Subsection (4) committed against a child under 14 years of age is a class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 411, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 704 - Abuse or desecration of a dead human body -- Penalties.

Effective 7/1/2023
76-9-704.
Abuse or desecration of a dead human body -- Penalties.
(1) For purposes of this section, "dead human body" includes any part of a human body in any stage of decomposition, including ancient human remains as defined in Section 9-8a-302.
(2) A person is guilty of abuse or desecration of a dead human body if the person intentionally and unlawfully:
(a) fails to report the finding of a dead human body to a local law enforcement agency;
(b) disturbs, moves, removes, conceals, or destroys a dead human body or any part of it;
(c) disinters a buried or otherwise interred dead human body, without authority of a court order;
(d) dismembers a dead human body to any extent, or damages or detaches any part or portion of a dead human body; or
(e)
(i) commits or attempts to commit upon any dead human body any act of sexual penetration, regardless of the sex of the actor and of the dead human body; and
(ii) as used in Subsection (2)(e)(i), "sexual penetration" means penetration, however slight, of the genital or anal opening by any object, substance, instrument, or device, including a part of the human body, or penetration involving the genitals of the actor and the mouth of the dead human body.
(3) A person does not violate this section if when that person directs or carries out procedures regarding a dead human body, that person complies with:
(a)Title 9, Chapter 8a, Part 3, Antiquities;
(b)Title 26B, Chapter 8, Part 2, Utah Medical Examiner;
(c)Title 26B, Chapter 8, Part 3, Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act;
(d)Title 53B, Chapter 17, Part 3, Use of Dead Bodies for Medical Purposes;
(e)Title 58, Chapter 9, Funeral Services Licensing Act; or
(f)Title 58, Chapter 67, Utah Medical Practice Act, which concerns licensing to practice medicine.
(4)
(a) Failure to report the finding of a dead human body as required under Subsection (2)(a) is a class B misdemeanor.
(b) Abuse or desecration of a dead human body as described in Subsections (2)(b) through (e) is a third degree felony.
Amended by Chapter 160, 2023 General Session
Amended by Chapter 330, 2023 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 7 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 705 - Participation in an ultimate fighting match.

76-9-705.
Participation in an ultimate fighting match.
(1) For purposes of this section, "ultimate fighting match" means a live match in which:
(a) an admission fee is charged;
(b) match rules permit professional contestants to use a combination of boxing, kicking, wrestling, hitting, punching, or other combative, contact techniques; and
(c) match rules do not:
(i) incorporate a formalized system of combative techniques against which a contestant's performance is judged to determine the prevailing contestant;
(ii) divide a match into two or more equal and specified time periods for a match total of no more than 50 minutes; or
(iii) prohibit contestants from:
(A) using anything that is not part of the human body, except for boxing gloves, to intentionally inflict serious bodily injury upon an opponent through direct contact or the expulsion of a projectile;
(B) striking a person who demonstrates an inability to protect himself from the advances of an opponent;
(C) biting; or
(D) direct, intentional, and forceful strikes to the eyes, groin area, adam's apple area of the neck, and temple area of the head.
(2) Any person who publicizes, promotes, conducts, or engages in an ultimate fighting match is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Enacted by Chapter 83, 1997 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 8 - Criminal Street Gang Penalties › Section 803 - Penalties regarding criminal street gang activities.

76-9-803.
Penalties regarding criminal street gang activities.
(1) It is a class B misdemeanor to:
(a) solicit, recruit, entice, or intimidate a minor to join a criminal street gang, whether or not the minor actually joins the criminal street gang;
(b) conspire to commit any act under Subsection (1)(a) with the intent to cause a minor to join a criminal street gang; or
(c) use intimidation to prevent or attempt to prevent a minor from leaving a criminal street gang or ending the minor's affiliation with a criminal street gang.
(2) It is a class A misdemeanor for any person who is a member of or actively involved with a criminal street gang to:
(a) intimidate or otherwise cause a minor to commit or attempt to commit any misdemeanor criminal offense; or
(b) commit a violation of Subsection (1)(a):
(i) more than once;
(ii) regarding the same minor; and
(iii) within a period of 180 days.
(3) Prosecution for any offense under this section does not prohibit prosecution for any other criminal offense.
Enacted by Chapter 15, 2008 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 8 - Criminal Street Gang Penalties › Section 804 - Convicted criminal gang offender -- Prohibition.

Effective 5/4/2022
76-9-804.
Convicted criminal gang offender -- Prohibition.
(1) A person who has been convicted of a crime for which the penalty was enhanced under Section 76-3-203.1 may not, except where a greater penalty is applicable under this title, possess a dangerous weapon as defined in either Section 76-1-101.5 or 76-10-501, ammunition, or a facsimile of a firearm within five years after the conviction.
(2) A violation of Subsection (1) is a class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Chapter 181, 2022 General Session
2023 Utah Code › Title 76 - Utah Criminal Code › Chapter 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency › Part 9 - Prohibition of Gang Activity › Section 903 - Gang loitering -- Failure to disperse -- Penalties.

76-9-903.
Gang loitering -- Failure to disperse -- Penalties.
(1) When a law enforcement officer observes a person whom the officer reasonably believes to be a member of a criminal street gang engaging in gang loitering in the presence of one or more other persons in any public place where gang loitering is prohibited under Section 76-9-905, the police officer shall:
(a) inform all the persons that they are within an area in which loitering by a group containing one or more criminal street gang members is prohibited;
(b) order all the persons in the group to disperse and remove themselves from within sight and hearing of the location where the officer issues the order to disperse; and
(c) inform the persons that any person in the group will be subject to being charged with a criminal offense and will also be subject to arrest if the person fails to promptly obey the order to disperse.
(2) The officer under Subsection (1) shall also advise the persons the officer is directing to disperse that each of the persons directed to disperse is subject to being charged with a criminal offense and will also be subject to arrest if the person is again, within eight hours after the current order to disperse is made:
(a) present in a public place with a group that includes one or more persons a peace officer reasonably believes to be a member of a criminal street gang; and
(b) within sight or hearing of the location where the law enforcement officer is currently issuing the order to disperse.
Enacted by Chapter 86, 2009 General Session