Utah § 76-8-318 - Assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-8-318 — Assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-8-318. Assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-8-318.  Assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker.
(1)
(a)As used in this section:
(i)"Assault" means an offense under Section 76-5-102.
(ii)"Child welfare worker" means an employee of the Division of Child and Family Services created in Section 80-2-201.
(iii)"Family member" means an individual's spouse, surviving spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or any other individual related to the individual by consanguinity or affinity to the second degree.
(b)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-8-101 apply to this section.
(2)An actor commits assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker if:
(a)the actor commits, or attempts to commit, an assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker;
(b)the actor knows that the individual described in Subsection (2)(a) is a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker; and
(c)the assault, or attempted assault, described in Subsection (2)(a) is committed:
(i)against a child welfare worker at the time the child welfare worker is acting within the scope of the child welfare worker's authority; or
(ii)against a child welfare worker or a family member of the child welfare worker with the intent to:
(A)impede, intimidate, or interfere with the performance of the child welfare worker's official duties; or
(B)retaliate against the child welfare worker because of the performance of the child welfare worker's official duties.
(3)
(a)Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor.
(b)A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the actor:
(i)causes substantial bodily injury; and
(ii)acts intentionally or knowingly.
(4)This section does not apply to an actor who is a minor in the custody of, or receiving services from, a division within the Department of Health and Human Services.


Amended by Chapter 537, 2025 General Session

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-8-318

What does Utah Code § 76-8-318 cover?

Section 76-8-318 ("Assault against a child welfare worker or a family member of a child welfare worker.") 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 § 76-8-318?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-8-318" (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 § 76-8-318 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

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