Utah § 80-6-601 - Minors' cases considered civil proceedings -- Minor not to be charged with crime -- Exception for a prior adjudication -- Traffic violation cases.

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§ 80-6-601. Minors' cases considered civil proceedings -- Minor not to be charged with crime -- Exception for a prior adjudication -- Traffic violation cases.

Effective 5/7/2025
80-6-601.  Minors' cases considered civil proceedings -- Minor not to be charged with crime -- Exception for a prior adjudication -- Traffic violation cases.
(1)Except as provided in Part 5, Minor Tried as an Adult, a proceeding in a minor's case under this chapter is a civil proceeding with the juvenile court exercising equitable powers.
(2)
(a)An adjudication by a juvenile court of a minor under this chapter is not considered a conviction of a crime, except in cases involving traffic violations.
(b)An adjudication may not:
(i)operate to impose any civil disabilities upon the minor; or
(ii)disqualify the minor for any civil service or military service or appointment.
(3)
(a)Except in cases involving traffic violations, and as provided in Part 5, Minor Tried as an Adult, a minor may not be charged with a crime and convicted in any court.
(b)Except as provided in Section 80-6-504 , if a petition is filed in the juvenile court, the minor may not later be subject to criminal prosecution based on the same facts.
(c)Except as provided in Section 80-6-305, an individual may not be subject to a proceeding under this chapter for an offense that the individual is alleged to have committed before the individual was 12 years old.
(4)
(a)An adjudication by a juvenile court of a minor under this chapter is considered a conviction for the purposes of determining the level of offense for which a minor may be charged and enhancing the level of an offense in the juvenile court.
(b)A prior adjudication may be used to enhance the level or degree of an offense committed by an adult only as otherwise specifically provided.


Amended by Chapter 277, 2025 General Session

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 80-6-601

What does Utah Code § 80-6-601 cover?

Section 80-6-601 ("Minors' cases considered civil proceedings -- Minor not to be charged with crime -- Exception for a prior adjudication -- Traffic violation cases.") 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 § 80-6-601?

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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 § 80-6-601 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.

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