Utah § 76-5-113 - Surreptitious administration of certain substances -- Definitions -- Penalties -- Defenses.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-5-113 — Surreptitious administration of certain substances -- Definitions -- Penalties -- Defenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-5-113. Surreptitious administration of certain substances -- Definitions -- Penalties -- Defenses.
Effective 5/6/2026 76-5-113.
Surreptitious administration of certain substances -- Definitions -- Penalties -- Defenses.
(1)
(a)
As used in this section:
(i)
"Administer" means the introduction of a substance into the body by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or by any other means.
(ii)
"Alcoholic beverage" means the same as that term is defined in Section 32B-1-102.
(iii)
"Controlled substance" means the same as that term is defined in Section 58-37-101.
(iv)
"Deleterious substance" means a substance which, if administered, would likely cause bodily injury.
(v)
"Health care provider" means the same as that term is defined in Section 78B-3-403.
(vi)
"Poisonous" means a substance which, if administered, would likely cause serious bodily injury or death.
(vii)
"Prescription drug" means the same as that term is defined in Section 58-17b-102.
(viii)
"Serious bodily injury" means the same as that term is defined in Section 19-2-115.
(ix)
"Substance" means a controlled substance, poisonous substance, or deleterious substance.
(b)
Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.
(2)
An actor commits surreptitious administration of a certain substance if the actor, surreptitiously or by means of fraud, deception, or misrepresentation, causes an individual to unknowingly consume or receive the administration of:
(a)
any poisonous, deleterious, or controlled substance; or
a second degree felony if the substance is a poisonous substance, regardless of whether the substance is a controlled substance or a prescription drug;
(b)
a third degree felony if the substance is not within the scope of Subsection (3)(a), and is a controlled substance or a prescription drug; or
(c)
a class A misdemeanor if the substance is a deleterious substance or an alcoholic beverage.
(4)
(a)
It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under Subsection (2) that the actor:
(i)
provided the appropriate administration of a prescription drug; and
(ii)
acted on the reasonable belief that the actor's conduct was in the best interest of the well-being of the individual to whom the prescription drug was administered.
(b)
(i)
The defendant shall file and serve on the prosecuting attorney a notice in writing of the defendant's intention to claim a defense under Subsection (4)(a) not fewer than 20 days before the trial.
(ii)
The notice shall specifically identify the factual basis for the defense and the names and addresses of the witnesses the defendant proposes to examine to establish the defense.
(c)
(i)
The prosecuting attorney shall file and serve the defendant with a notice containing the names and addresses of the witnesses the prosecutor proposes to examine in order to contradict or rebut the defendant's claim of an affirmative defense under Subsection (4)(a).
(ii)
This notice shall be filed or served not more than 10 days after receipt of the defendant's notice under Subsection (4)(b), or at another time as the court may direct.
(d)
(i)
Failure of a party to comply with the requirements of Subsection (4)(b) or (4)(c) entitles the opposing party to a continuance to allow for preparation.
(ii)
If the court finds that a party's failure to comply is the result of bad faith, it may impose appropriate sanctions.
(5)
(a)
This section does not diminish the scope of authorized health care by a health care provider.
(b)
Conduct in violation of Subsection (2) may also constitute a separate offense.
Section 76-5-113 ("Surreptitious administration of certain substances -- Definitions -- Penalties -- Defenses.") 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 § 76-5-113?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-5-113" (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 § 76-5-113 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.
