Utah § 16a-104 - Verdict of guilty with a mental condition -- Hearing to determine present mental state.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 16a-104 — Verdict of guilty with a mental condition -- Hearing to determine present mental state., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16a-104. Verdict of guilty with a mental condition -- Hearing to determine present mental state.

Effective 5/3/2023
77-16a-104.  Verdict of guilty with a mental condition -- Hearing to determine present mental state.
(1) Upon a verdict of guilty with a mental condition for the offense charged, or any lesser offense, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine the defendant's present mental state.
(2)
(a) The court may order the department to examine the defendant to determine the defendant's mental condition, and may receive the evidence of any public or private expert witness offered by the defendant or the prosecutor.
(b) The defendant may be placed in the Utah State Hospital for the examination described in Subsection (2)(a) only upon approval of the executive director.
(3) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant currently has a mental condition, the court shall impose any sentence that could be imposed under law upon a defendant who does not have a mental condition and who is convicted of the same offense, and:
(a) commit the defendant to the department, in accordance with the provisions of Section 77-16a-202, if:
(i) the court gives the department the opportunity to provide an evaluation and recommendation under Subsection (4); and
(ii) the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that:
(A) because of the defendant's mental condition the defendant poses an immediate physical danger to self or others, including jeopardizing the defendant's own or others' safety, health, or welfare if placed in a correctional or probation setting, or lacks the ability to provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter, if placed on probation; and
(B) the department is able to provide the defendant with treatment, care, custody, and security that is adequate and appropriate to the defendant's conditions and needs;
(b) order probation in accordance with Section 77-16a-201; or
(c) if the court determines that commitment to the department under Subsection (3)(a) or probation under Subsection (3)(b) is not appropriate, the court shall place the defendant in the custody of UDC or a county jail as allowed by law.
(4) In order to ensure that the requirements of Subsection (3)(a) are met, the court shall, before making a determination, notify the executive director of the proposed placement and provide the department with an opportunity to evaluate the defendant and make a recommendation to the court regarding placement prior to commitment.
(5) If the court finds that the defendant does not currently have a mental condition, the court shall sentence the defendant as it would any other defendant.
(6) Expenses for examinations ordered under this section shall be paid in accordance with Subsection 77-16a-103(8).


Amended by Chapter 184, 2023 General Session

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 16a-104

What does Utah Code § 16a-104 cover?

Section 16a-104 ("Verdict of guilty with a mental condition -- Hearing to determine present mental state.") 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 § 16a-104?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 16a-104" (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 § 16a-104 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.