Utah § 76-18-218 - Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-18-218 — Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-18-218. Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order.

Effective 5/6/2026
76-18-218.  Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order.
(1)Terms defined in Sections 58-37-101, 76-1-101.5, 76-18-101, and 76-18-201 apply to this section.
(2)An actor commits unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order if the actor knowingly and intentionally:
(a)makes a false or forged prescription or written order for a controlled substance;
(b)utters a false or forged prescription or written order for a controlled substance; or
(c)alters a prescription or written order issued or written under the terms of this chapter or Title 58, Chapter 37, Controlled Substances.
(3)A violation of Subsection (2) is:
(a)a class A misdemeanor on a first or second conviction; or
(b)a third degree felony on a third or subsequent conviction.
(4)
(a)An actor may be charged and sentenced for a violation of this section, notwithstanding a charge and sentence for a violation of any other section of this part or Title 58, Chapter 37, Controlled Substances.
(b)A penalty imposed for a violation of this section is in addition to, and not in lieu of, a civil or administrative penalty or sanction authorized by law.
(c)Defenses and exemptions in Section 76-18-203 apply to this section.
(d)A previous conviction used for a penalty enhancement under this section includes a conviction for an offense described in a statute previously in effect in this state that is the same or substantially similar to a violation of this section.
(5)If a minor who is under 18 years old is found by a court to have violated this section, the court may order the minor to complete:
(a)a screening as defined in Section 41-6a-501;
(b)an assessment as defined in Section 41-6a-501 if the screening described in Subsection (5)(a) indicates that an assessment is appropriate; and
(c)an educational series as defined in Section 41-6a-501 or substance use disorder treatment as indicated by an assessment described in Subsection (5)(b).


Enacted by Chapter 362, 2026 General Session

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-18-218

What does Utah Code § 76-18-218 cover?

Section 76-18-218 ("Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order.") 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 § 76-18-218?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-18-218" (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 § 76-18-218 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.