Full text of Utah Utah Code § 5a-503 — Illegal firearms confiscated -- Disposition of unclaimed firearm., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5a-503. Illegal firearms confiscated -- Disposition of unclaimed firearm.
Effective 5/7/2025
53-5a-503.
Illegal firearms confiscated -- Disposition of unclaimed firearm.
| (1) | If a law enforcement agency receives a firearm in accordance with Section 53-5c-201, and the firearm is an illegal firearm, the law enforcement agency shall:
| (a) | notify the owner cohabitant attempting to voluntarily commit the firearm that the firearm is an illegal firearm; and |
| (b) | confiscate the firearm and dispose of the firearm in accordance with Section 77-11a-403. |
|
| (2) |
| (a) | If a law enforcement agency cannot, after a reasonable attempt, locate an owner cohabitant to return a firearm in accordance with Section 53-5a-502, the law enforcement agency shall dispose of the firearm in accordance with Section 77-11a-403. |
| (b) | A law enforcement agency may not dispose of a firearm under Subsection (2)(a) before one year after the day on which the cohabitant initially voluntarily committed the firearm in accordance with Section 53-5a-502. |
|
| (3) |
| (a) | If an individual other than an owner cohabitant claims ownership of the firearm, the individual may:
| (i) | request that the law enforcement agency return the firearm in accordance with Subsection (3)(b); or |
| (ii) | petition the court for the firearm's return in accordance with Subsection (3)(c). |
|
| (b) | Except as provided in Section 53-5a-502, the law enforcement agency shall return a firearm to an individual other than an owner cohabitant who claims ownership of the firearm if:
| (i) | the 60-day period described in Section 53-5a-502 has expired; |
| (ii) | the individual provides identification; and |
| (iii) | the individual signs a document attesting that the individual has an ownership interest in the firearm. |
|
| (c) | After sufficient notice is given to the prosecutor, the court may order that the firearm be:
| (i) | returned to the rightful owner as determined by the court; or |
| (ii) | disposed of in accordance with Section 77-11a-403. |
|
| (d) | A law enforcement agency shall return a firearm ordered returned to the rightful owner as expeditiously as possible after a court determination. |
|
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
208, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 5a-503
What does Utah Code § 5a-503 cover?
Section 5a-503 ("Illegal firearms confiscated -- Disposition of unclaimed firearm.") 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 § 5a-503?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 5a-503" (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 § 5a-503 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.
