Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-12-202 — Electronic communication harassment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-12-202. Electronic communication harassment.
Effective 5/7/2025
76-12-202.
Electronic communication harassment.
| (2) | Except to the extent an actor's conduct constitutes an offense under Section 76-12-206, an actor commits electronic communication harassment if, with intent to intimidate, abuse, threaten, harass, frighten, or disrupt the electronic communications of another, the actor:
| (a) |
| (i) | makes repeated contact by means of electronic communications, regardless of whether a conversation ensues; or |
| (ii) | after the recipient has requested or informed the actor not to contact the recipient, and the actor repeatedly or continuously:
| (A) | contacts the electronic communication device of the recipient; or |
| (B) | causes an electronic communication device of the recipient to ring or to receive other notification of attempted contact by means of electronic communication; |
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| (b) | makes contact by means of electronic communication and insults, taunts, or challenges the recipient of the communication or any person at the receiving location in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response; |
| (c) | makes contact by means of electronic communication and threatens to inflict injury, physical harm, or damage to any person or the property of any person; or |
| (d) | causes disruption, jamming, or overload of an electronic communication system through excessive message traffic or other means utilizing an electronic communication device. |
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| (3) |
| (a) | Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor. |
| (b) | A second or subsequent violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor. |
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| (4) |
| (a) | Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), a criminal prosecution under this section does not affect an individual's right to bring a civil action for damages suffered as a result of the commission of an offense under this section. |
| (b) | This section does not create a civil cause of action based on electronic communications made for a legitimate business purpose. |
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| (5) | A violation of this section is subject to prosecution in the jurisdiction in which the electronic communication originated or was received. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter
173, 2025 General Session
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-12-202
What does Utah Code § 76-12-202 cover?
Section 76-12-202 ("Electronic communication harassment.") 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 § 76-12-202?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-12-202" (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 § 76-12-202 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.
