Utah § 76-2-304 - Ignorance or mistake of fact or law.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-2-304 — Ignorance or mistake of fact or law., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-2-304. Ignorance or mistake of fact or law.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-2-304.  Ignorance or mistake of fact or law.
(1)Unless otherwise provided, ignorance or mistake of fact which disproves the culpable mental state is a defense to any prosecution for that crime.
(2)Ignorance or mistake concerning the existence or meaning of a penal law is no defense to a crime unless:
(a)due to an actor's ignorance or mistake, the actor reasonably believed the actor's conduct did not constitute an offense; and
(b)an actor's ignorance or mistake resulted from the actor's reasonable reliance upon:
(i)an official statement of the law contained in a written order or grant of permission by an administrative agency charged by law with responsibility for interpreting the law in question; or
(ii)a written interpretation of the law contained in an opinion of a court of record or made by a public servant charged by law with responsibility for interpreting the law in question.
(3)Although an actor's ignorance or mistake of fact or law may constitute a defense to the offense charged, the actor may nevertheless be convicted of a lesser included offense of which the actor would be guilty if the fact or law were as the actor believed.


Amended by Chapter 302, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-2-304

What does Utah Code § 76-2-304 cover?

Section 76-2-304 ("Ignorance or mistake of fact or law.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 76-2-304?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-2-304" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 76-2-304 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.