Utah § 77-7-3 - Temporary detention made by a private individual.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 77-7-3 — Temporary detention made by a private individual., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 77-7-3. Temporary detention made by a private individual.

Effective 5/7/2025
77-7-3. Temporary detention made by a private individual.

(1)

A private individual may temporarily detain another individual:

(a)	for a public offense committed or attempted in the private individual's presence; or

(b)	when a felony has been committed and the private individual has reasonable cause to believe the individual who the private individual seeks to temporarily detain has committed the felony.

(2)

(a)

A temporary detention under Subsection (1) is lawful only if:

(i)	the private individual immediately contacts law enforcement to notify law enforcement of the situation and the temporary detention; and

(ii)	the temporary detention lasts only until a law enforcement officer arrives.

(b)	A private individual is not required to immediately contact law enforcement as described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) if the private individual knows that another individual has already contacted law enforcement to notify law enforcement of the situation and the temporary detention.

(3)

A private individual who in good faith conducts a lawful temporary detention under this section is:

(a)	not liable for civil damages or penalties as a result of an act or omission by the private individual in performing the temporary detention unless the private individual was grossly negligent; and

(b)	not subject to criminal prosecution for an act or omission by the private individual in performing the temporary detention unless the private individual was criminally negligent.

(4)	A private individual may use force while temporarily detaining another individual under this section as described in Section 77-7-7.1.

Amended by Chapter 199, 2025 General Session
Amended by Chapter 302, 2025 General Session

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 77-7-3

What does Utah Code § 77-7-3 cover?

Section 77-7-3 ("Temporary detention made by a private individual.") 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 § 77-7-3?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 77-7-3" (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 § 77-7-3 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 § 77-7-3 at the Utah source

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