Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-5-103 — Aggravated assault., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-5-103. Aggravated assault.
Effective 5/6/2026 76-5-103.
Aggravated assault.
(1)
(a)
As used in this section:
(i)
"Chokehold" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-5-102.
(ii)
"Targeting a law enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-5-202.
(b)
Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.
(2)
An actor commits aggravated assault if:
(a)
(i)
the actor attempts, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another;
(ii)
the actor makes a threat, accompanied by a show of immediate force or violence, to do bodily injury to another; or
(iii)
the actor commits an act, committed with unlawful force or violence, that causes bodily injury to another or creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another; and
(b)
the actor's conduct described in Subsection (2)(a) includes:
(i)
the use of:
(A)
a dangerous weapon; or
(B)
a motor vehicle;
(ii)
any act that intentionally or knowingly impedes the breathing or the circulation of blood of another individual by the actor's use of unlawful force or violence by:
(A)
applying pressure to the neck or throat of an individual; or
(B)
obstructing the nose, mouth, or airway of an individual; or
(iii)
other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
(3)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony.
(b)
Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if:
(i)
the act results in serious bodily injury; or
(ii)
an act under Subsection (2)(b)(ii) produces a loss of consciousness.
(c)
A violation of Subsection (2) is a first degree felony if the conduct constitutes targeting a law enforcement officer and results in serious bodily injury.
(4)
This section does not apply to an actor's use of a chokehold on another individual if:
(a)
the chokehold is done as part of training for, or participating in, a practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice, including martial arts, wrestling, or mixed martial arts; and
(b)
the other individual is also training for, or participating in, the same practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice.
Section 76-5-103 ("Aggravated assault.") 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 § 76-5-103?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-5-103" (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 § 76-5-103 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.
