Utah § 76-3-203.20 - Aggravating factor if actor traveled to commit a child sexual offense.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-3-203.20 — Aggravating factor if actor traveled to commit a child sexual offense., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-3-203.20. Aggravating factor if actor traveled to commit a child sexual offense.

Effective 5/6/2026
76-3-203.20. Aggravating factor if actor traveled to commit a child sexual offense.

(1)

As used in this section:

(a)

"Child sexual offense" means one of the following offenses:

(i)	human trafficking of a child for commercial sexual exploitation as described in Section 76-5-308.6;

(ii)	unlawful sexual activity with a minor as described in Section 76-5-401;

(iii)

sexual abuse of a minor as described in Section 76-5-401.1;

(iv)	unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old as described in Section 76-5-401.2;

(v)	rape of a child as described in Section 76-5-402.1;

(vi)	object rape of a child as described in Section 76-5-402.3;

(vii)

sodomy on a child as described in Section 76-5-403.1;

(viii)

sexual abuse of a child as described in Section 76-5-404.1;

(ix)	aggravated sexual abuse of a child as described in Section 76-5-404.3;

(x)	unlawful kissing of a child as described in Section 76-5-416.2; or

(xi)	unlawful kissing of a minor as described in Section 76-5-416.4.

(b)

"Principal place of residence" means the single location where an individual's habitation is fixed and to which, whenever the individual is absent, the individual has the intention of returning, as evidenced by:

(i)	the intent expressed by the individual; and

(ii)	acts of the individual that are consistent or inconsistent with the intent expressed by the individual.

(2)

For a defendant convicted of a child sexual offense, it is an aggravating factor if the sentencing court finds that the defendant:

(a)	traveled more than 45 miles from the defendant's principal place of residence for the purpose of the defendant committing, or attempting to commit, the child sexual offense; or

(b)	paid for, or otherwise facilitated, the victim to travel more than 45 miles from the victim's principal place of residence, for the purpose of the defendant committing, or attempting to commit, the child sexual offense.

(3)	When sentencing a defendant convicted of a child sexual offense subject to the aggravating factor described in Subsection (2), the sentencing court shall consider the aggravating factor and include the aggravating factor in the judgment of commitment.

(4)	In determining the length of imprisonment for a defendant imprisoned for a conviction of an offense against a child or minor subject to the aggravating factor described in Subsection (2), the Board of Pardons and Parole shall consider the aggravating factor.

Amended by Chapter 247, 2026 General Session

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-3-203.20

What does Utah Code § 76-3-203.20 cover?

Section 76-3-203.20 ("Aggravating factor if actor traveled to commit a child sexual offense.") 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 § 76-3-203.20?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-3-203.20" (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 § 76-3-203.20 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

Official text of § 76-3-203.20 at the Utah source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.