Utah § 76-3-203.19 - Aggravating factor for an offense committed against a child or minor as part of a ritual.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-3-203.19 — Aggravating factor for an offense committed against a child or minor as part of a ritual., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-3-203.19. Aggravating factor for an offense committed against a child or minor as part of a ritual.

Effective 5/6/2026
76-3-203.19. Aggravating factor for an offense committed against a child or minor as part of a ritual.

(1)

As used in this section:

(a)

"Offense against a child or minor" means an offense that is:

(i)	child abuse as described in Section 76-5-109;

(ii)	child torture, as described in Section 76-5-109.4;

(iii)

aggravated child abuse as described in Section 76-5-109.2;

(iv)	abuse or neglect of a child with a disability as described in Section 76-5-110;

(v)	child abuse homicide as described in Section 76-5-208;

(vi)	kidnapping as described in Section 76-5-301, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(vii)

child kidnapping as described in Section 76-5-301.1;

(viii)

aggravated kidnapping as described in Section 76-5-302, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(ix)	human trafficking of a child for labor as described in Section 76-5-308.5;

(x)	human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual exploitation as described in Section 76-5-308.6;

(xi)	unlawful sexual activity with a minor as described in Section 76-5-401;

(xii)

sexual abuse of a minor as described in Section 76-5-401.1;

(xiii)

rape as described in Section 76-5-402, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(xiv)

rape of a child as described in Section 76-5-402.1;

(xv)	object rape as described in Section 76-5-404.2, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(xvi)

object rape of a child as described in Section 76-5-402.3;

(xvii)

forcible sodomy as described in Section 76-5-403, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(xviii)

sodomy on a child as described in Section 76-5-403.1;

(xix)

forcible sexual abuse as described in Section 76-5-404, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(xx)	sexual abuse of a child as described in Section 76-5-404.1;

(xxi)

aggravated sexual abuse of a child as described in Section 76-5-404.3;

(xxii)

aggravated sexual assault as described in Section 76-5-405, if committed against an individual under 18 years old;

(xxiii)

unlawful kissing of a child as described in Section 76-5-416.2; or

(xxiv)

unlawful kissing of a minor as described in Section 76-5-416.4.

(b)

"Ritual" means an event or act, or a series of events or acts:

(i)	marked by specific actions, specific gestures, ceremonial objects, ceremonial clothing, religious texts, or specific words; and

(ii)	designed to commemorate, celebrate, or solemnize a particular occasion or significance in a religious, cultural, social, institutional, or other context.

(2)	For a defendant convicted of an offense against a child or minor, it is an aggravating factor if the sentencing court finds that the defendant committed the offense as part of, or to facilitate, a ritual or a training or practice to perform a ritual.

(3)	When sentencing a defendant convicted of an offense against a child or minor subject to the aggravating factor described in Subsection (2), the sentencing court shall consider the aggravating factor and include the aggravating factor in the judgment of commitment.

(4)	In determining the length of imprisonment for a defendant imprisoned for a conviction of an offense against a child or minor subject to the aggravating factor described in Subsection (2), the Board of Pardons and Parole shall consider the aggravating factor.

Amended by Chapter 247, 2026 General Session

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-3-203.19

What does Utah Code § 76-3-203.19 cover?

Section 76-3-203.19 ("Aggravating factor for an offense committed against a child or minor as part of a ritual.") 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 § 76-3-203.19?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-3-203.19" (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 § 76-3-203.19 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

Official text of § 76-3-203.19 at the Utah source

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