Utah § 76-12-303 - Unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-12-303 — Unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-12-303. Unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-12-303.  Unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication.
(1)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-12-101, and 76-12-301 apply to this section.
(2)An actor commits unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication if, except as authorized by law, the actor:
(a)intercepts, without the consent of the sender or receiver, a message by telephone, telegraph, letter, or other means of communicating privately; or
(b)divulges, without consent of the sender or receiver, the existence or contents of a message described in Subsection (2)(a), if the actor:
(i)knows that the message described in Subsection (2)(a) was illegally intercepted; or
(ii)learned of the message described in Subsection (2)(a) in the course of employment with an agency engaged in the transmission of the message.
(3)A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.
(4)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to:
(a)overhearing a message through a regularly installed instrument on a telephone party line or on an extension; or
(b)intercepting a message by a telephone company or subscriber incident to enforcement of regulations limiting use of the facilities or to other normal operation and use.
(5)
(a)A person, or the heirs of a deceased person, who has been injured by a violation of this section may bring an action against the actor who committed the violation.
(b)If in the action described in Subsection (5)(a) the court finds the defendant is violating or has violated any of the provisions of this section, the court shall enjoin the defendant from a continued violation.
(c)It is not necessary that actual damages to the plaintiff be alleged or proved, but if damages are alleged and proved, the plaintiff in the action is entitled to recover from the defendant the actual damages sustained, if any, in addition to injunctive relief.
(d) A finding that the defendant is in violation of this section entitles the plaintiff to an award of reasonable attorney fees.
(e)Exemplary damages may be awarded when the violation is found to be malicious.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-12-303

What does Utah Code § 76-12-303 cover?

Section 76-12-303 ("Unlawful interception or disclosure of a private communication.") 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 § 76-12-303?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-12-303" (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 § 76-12-303 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.