Utah Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Utah?

Yes, state residents can get Utah criminal records free of charge according to the Utah Freedom of Information Act. The law allows individuals to obtain public criminal records once they make requests to approved custodians of the records. Apart from Utah criminal records, residents can access other public records (i.e, court records via the Utah district court case lookup). Note that some information may be restricted from each public record. Some of the restricted records contain confidential or sensitive information and, as such, will not be provided to requesters.

Criminal records in the state of Utah generally include the following:

• The personal information of the subject: their full name, alias, birth date, nationality and gender
• A mug shot and unique physical descriptors of the subject
• A full set of fingerprints
• Criminal offenses and consequent charges.
• Details of past and most recent warrants, arrest history, convictions and dispositions

Criminal records, considered public in the United States, are made available through some third-party aggregate sites. Searching with third-party websites is often easier as the information is not limited to geographic record availability. Information found on third-party websites can serve as a jumping off point for parties searching for a specific record or multiple records. Typically, requesters must provide the following information to gain access to these records:

• The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
• The record subjects’ last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites offer these search services, but they are not government sponsored. Availability of records may vary.

What is Considered a Criminal Record in Utah?

Utah criminal records, also called rap sheets, are documents that detail the criminal history information of persons within the state. These records encompass arrest reports as well as conviction information, dispositions and all reports pertaining to criminal activity of state residents. They are primarily generated by local Utah law enforcement agencies, which also disseminate the records and other related information in compliance with Utah state law.

How to Obtain Criminal Records in Utah?

In the state of Utah, public criminal records are maintained and issued by the local and state law enforcement agencies which are often in charge of their generation. However, the Utah Department of Public Safety serves as the state’s primary custodian of criminal history information. These records may be sourced locally from city or county law enforcement agencies or can be retrieved at the state level. However, the information that will be provided will often be dependent on the authority of the requestor.

The Utah Department of Public Safety manages the state's central repository of criminal history information, while the Bureau of Criminal Identification is tasked with the dissemination of these records to interested persons wishing to perform a criminal record search. Various jurisdictions in the state of Utah employ different methods of criminal record generation and maintenance. However, most records are available through online record depositories which are often open to the public. Free public criminal record checks may be possible to obtain, but standard search and copy fees will apply.

Are Arrest Records Public in Utah?

Yes, these records are also classified as public records in Utah. Under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), residents can obtain Utah arrests as well as other public records provided by contacting the approved record holder. Also, public arrest records are available via online platforms created by the local sheriff department. While arrest records searches are free, an arrest search online can only produce basic information of a suspect. Other information regarding the ongoing investigation is not classified as public information.

What is Considered an Arrest Record in Utah?

Utah arrest records are criminal records detailing the apprehension of persons allegedly involved in criminal activity within the state’s jurisdiction. These records typically contain information regarding the crime(s) with which the subject was involved as well as procedural details such as pending litigations, fines and instances of incarcerations.

Arrest records in the state of Utah are generated by local and state law enforcement agencies. For instance, Utah arrest search for Utah county is provided by the sheriff department. Note that these records may be released to interested persons provided the information contained in the record is not prejudicial to the arrestee or outdated. By Utah state laws, criminal suspects may be arrested if there are reasonable grounds to believe they committed the crime. Arrests and arrest records may not be considered connotations of the suspect’s guilt unless conviction records are included therein. However, the information contained in arrest records may differ from subject to subject and may also vary by the jurisdiction where the record was generated.

In Utah, police records, also known as police reports, are not the same as arrest records despite the terms often being used interchangeably. Police reports are documents which track law enforcement actions. Arrest records include only information pertaining to arrests and are categorized by record subject.

Utah Arrest Warrants

Utah arrest warrants are official documents issued and notarized by judges or magistrates on behalf of the local and state jurisdictions. These documents provide legal authorization to police officers seeking to arrest or detain the person or people named in the warrant or to search and seize the individual’s property. Utah’s Department of Public Safety active warrant search is available through the Statewide Warrant Search.

Warrants typically state details of the crime, the date and time the suspect may be apprehended and bail/bond conditions and an estimated date when the warrant will expire or be recalled. However, expiry dates are not specified for bench warrants which are typically issued when the suspect fails to appear in court following a summons. On the other hand, the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure (URCP) permits the police to arrest a person for committing a crime even without a warrant. In most cases, this occurs when a person commits the crime in an officer’s presence.

How to Lookup Utah Inmate Records in Utah

Utah inmate records refer to the official documents containing information regarding a person’s current or past incarceration status. These records are typically generated and maintained by the Utah Department of Corrections and often include the personal information of the detainee as well as details of their sentences. Individuals can perform an inmate search by using the online offender search tool or visiting the state prison using Utah department of corrections address below:

Utah Department of Corrections
14717 Minuteman Drive
Draper, UT 84020
Phone: (801) 545-5525

The information contained in the record includes the inmate’s full name and aliases, their mugshot and details of any physical descriptors, a detailed account of their conviction and the incarceration/prospective release dates.

How Do I Find Sex Offenders in Utah?

The Utah sex offender registry refers to the local and state-managed registries which feature public information regarding convicted sex offenders in the state. Utah's Megan’s law is an offshoot of the national law and is the basis for which the state operates a variety of sex offender registries through local law enforcement agencies. As per Utah law, sex offender registries are public record and are compiled by various jurisdictions and their law enforcement agencies. However, the Utah Department of Corrections Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry serves as the central repository of all sex-offender related information. Registered sex offenders are listed following a court order indicating that the accused’s crimes require registration based on the national sex offender registration law.

Understanding DUI Laws in Utah

Driving a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of. 08 percent or above is unlawful in Utah. Individuals can also be charged with a DUI in Utah if driving while under the influence of illicit substances and are unable to safely control a motor vehicle. In the state of Utah, driving a car while inebriated is a significant offense. As a result, these drunk driving crimes are serious traffic violations. Utah’s serious traffic violations include all offenses pertaining to the willful disregard for public safety. These violations may result in death, serious bodily injury, damage to property and/or other minor traffic offenses which resulted as a consequence of the violation.

The state of Utah operates a point distribution system with which traffic offenses are assigned points based on their severity. Offenses with the highest points such as reckless driving, speeding, tailgating, and failure to yield the right-of-way may be considered serious traffic violations. Offenses with lesser points are often classified as infractions. Typically the traffic ticket fine issued will depend primarily on the traffic violation and the issuing court. The Utah Driver License Division (DLD) of the Department of Public Safety is tasked with enforcing Utah’s DUI laws and penalties on convicted road offenders. Offenders, who accumulate more than 200 points within 3 years may lose their driving privileges temporarily or irreversibly.

Utah Misdemeanors Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Utah misdemeanors are non-indictable offenses that are generally known to be less severe than felonies. However, like felonies, a misdemeanor charge is categorized by a number-based system designed to describe the severity of the alleged crime. Misdemeanors in Utah are punishable by up to one year in county or local jail and are designated as class A, B, or C. A class A misdemeanor in Utah is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Utah, punishable by up to 1-year jail time and a fine of $2,500. Utah Class B misdemeanor is contained in Section 76-3-204 of the Utah Code. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious crimes under Utah’s laws, punishable by 90 days jail time and/ or a fine of $750. Misdemeanors in Utah generally include:

• Theft of property under $1000
• Simple assault
• Public disturbance and related offenses
• Traffic violations such as driving with a suspended license
• Furnishing a minor with alcohol

Utah Felony Laws: Offenses and Penalties

Utah felony offenses are criminal convictions with a minimum sentence of one year or more which is typically served in a county jail or state prison. In some cases, a felony conviction can even be punished by death. In Utah, felonies are crimes punishable by terms in state prison. Utah lawmakers classify felonies as capital felonies or first, second, or third-degree felonies. In Utah, the most serious crimes are capital felonies, punishable by death, life in prison without parole, or 25 years’ to life imprisonment. Murder is an example of a capital felony, other felony examples attract penalties like:

• Rape and other forms of aggravated sexual assault
• Theft of property above $5000
• Human trafficking
• Attempted murder and manslaughter
• Arson

Probation and Parole in Utah

Utah parole records feature information regarding the release of a prisoner who agreed to certain conditions prior to the completion of their maximum sentence. While the prisoner is on supervised parole, the board shall require as a condition of parole that they pay a monthly supervision fee of not less than $30, unless the board agrees to accept a lower fee after determining the inability of the prisoner to pay. The board may also impose any conditions of parole it deems appropriate in order to ensure the best interests of the prisoner and the citizens of Utah are served.

Utah probation records are considered a kind of criminal record that depicts that an individual was granted supervised non-prison sentence, often as an alternative to jail time. Following the state’s probation program, Utah state prisoners may be allowed to serve their sentences out of detention. Utah probation records are primarily generated, maintained and disseminated by the Adult Probation & Parole Division of the Utah Department of Corrections. The records maintained by Utah AP&P officers, include information like the personal information of the subject, details of their criminal offense and probation sentence. Also included on the record may be details of the probation conditions which the individual may be required to meet, or otherwise risk full prison time. These conditions are often similar for most Utah parolees and persons on probation and most records may be obtained by querying the division.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Utah?

Utah juvenile criminal records are official records pertaining to the criminal activity of persons under legal adult age or considered adolescent. These records are not considered the same as adult criminal records as juveniles are not considered convicts but may rather be found to be “adjudicated delinquent" and unlike adult records, they are not open to members of the public. the record remains unless the person petitions to have it expunged.

In the state of Utah, access to juvenile criminal records cannot be found by performing a juvenile court case lookup. Access is restricted to agencies and individuals in the criminal justice system, such as the Utah juvenile court. In a limited set of circumstances, prospective employers may access juvenile court records. But while these records remain closed to most persons, the state of Utah does not provide for thorough sealing unless the subject obtains an expungement when they reach legal adult age.

Utah Conviction Records

Utah conviction records are documents that provide information regarding the judgment and/or sentence delivered to or being served by persons who were found guilty of a criminal offense. These records typically feature the personal information of the subject of the record as well as details of the suspect’s past and most current criminal charges and applicable sentences.

Conviction records are primarily maintained by local law enforcement agencies and court officials. They are generally made available to interested members of the public unless otherwise ruled by a court order. Records of delinquent-related offenses and judgments are also restricted from public access but may be obtained by persons who subpoena the document.

These records also include details of dishonorable discharges of the subject as well as probation, fines, or parole. However, judgments that have been deleted by a pardon, set aside or reversed are often excluded.

Utah History and Accuracy of Criminal Records

Following the establishment of the Utah State Archives and Records Service in 1917, giant strides have been made in the adoption of modern record-keeping practices for the management of historically valuable records. Prior to this, criminal record generation and management was the responsibility of various local administrative offices and law enforcement agencies. In recent years this, and other related data have been centralized into an organized database with modern technological practices easing the archiving process and eliminating the limitations and inaccuracies of human error.

Find Utah Criminal History Record for Free

In the state of Utah, criminal records are public records. According to the Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA) Title 63G-2, individuals and members of the state can request access to their public records, with a few exemptions, though. In Utah, individuals can only request their records; laws do not allow third-party requests, except in specific cases. In any case, third-party requests require that the subject of the record file the request personally before it is processed and sent to a third-party individual or organization.

Many state agencies and law enforcement departments maintain criminal records according to their jurisdiction. Still, the Utah Department of Public Safety (UDPS) maintains the primary, state-designated repository for criminal records. The first step for filing a criminal history record is downloading the request form from the UDPS online portal, based on the nature of the request, including personal, third-party, or record correction.

It is important to note that, based on the Records Management Act, sensitive data is exempt (under code 63G-2-201) from public access. Notwithstanding, criminal history records in Utah generally contain the following information:

• Personal information, including; the subject’s full name. Age, address, aliases.
• A mugshot and other physical descriptions of the subject.
• A complete set of the subject’s fingerprints.
• A list of criminal offenses and consequent charges.
• The details of the subject’s past and most recent warrants, arrest history, and convictions.

In processing requests, a fee of $15.00 is to be paid, and fingerprints are required. Also note that individuals can obtain fingerprints from any law enforcement agency or directly at the bureau headquarters, and fees for this service would vary based on the agency where the person undergoes the scan.

Some third-party government-approved websites can make some records available to the public at a fee (depending on the site visited), even though the records available through this means may be quite limited in scope and accuracy not guaranteed. However, this might be a quick and easy way to run a basic background check.

Are Police Records Public in Utah?

Yes, to some degree. Police records fall under the category of public records based on the Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA), and this implies that anyone within the jurisdiction which meets the requirements can access these files. Police records are a compilation of files that detail the involvement information of individuals with law enforcement, including subject’s arrests, criminal charges, personal information, mugshots, accident/incident reports, conviction records, etc. The records gathered and maintained by the law enforcement agency involved also have copies dispatched to the designated state repository (GRAMA Utah Code 63G-2-206).

Notwithstanding, not all police records are open for public inspection or copy, and those allowed for the public interface are strictly guided by the exemptions stipulated in the GRAMA. Here are a few things that can preempt the disclosure of police records (Under Section 63G-2-201):

• The record requested is private, controlled, or restricted by the government Act of access.
• A record that contains personal information about a person, given in confidentiality for the sake of an investigation.
• A record relating to drug or alcohol testing of a state employee under section 63A-17-1004.
• A record that, when released, would endanger the safety of the individual or subject of the record under section 63G-2-304.
• A record exposing information about an ongoing investigation may affect the process and jeopardize justice.
• Information that may expose investigative techniques not known to the public.

How to Obtain Police Records in Utah

Individuals can visit the appropriate record-keeping law enforcement agency for copies of police reports in Utah. These records are available based on jurisdiction, and more so that the Government Records and Management Act makes it mandatory for all government agencies and law enforcement departments to make records available to the public.

As earlier stated, the Department of Public Safety is the primary custodian for criminal records and the means of access is by filling out the request form, which is available on the online portal. All requesters should send forms via mail to the official address, with all the requirements (Fingerprints and a $15.00 processing fee) met.

Also, note that exemptions still apply to the way that requesters can access records and hence should check with the Record Management Act for details on eligibility. Government-approved third-party websites also provide a limited range of information on individuals including personal data, arrests records, charges, mugshots, and other unrestricted information.

Are Police Reports Public in Utah?

A police record is a document that contains information about an arrest or incident, compiled by law enforcement agencies and used for documentation and reference. It contains details such as name, address, place of occurrence, circumstances surrounding the event, and other needed facts.

There are three major types of reports, namely:

• Arrest reports: Includes details about an arrest including the name of the subject, address, offense/crime committed, and a narrative of the event that led to the arrest.
• Accident reports: This type of report records the details of an accident scene. It could be a motor vehicle accident or a machinery-related accident. This report takes note of victims’ names, places of occurrence, insurance details, and other facts about the event.
• Incident reports: These reports detail the facts about a crime incident, ranging from robbery, fraud, rape, burglary, etc. compiled by law enforcement at the event of such incident. It records all the details of the event.

Police reports are part of public records in Utah based on the Records Management Act, and this implies that documents of these reports are available to the public. However, exemptions may apply to the way that police reports are accessed, especially concerning ongoing investigation activities, seeing as police reports are very useful within the criminal justice system, ensuring that justice is served. The information captured within a police report must be handled with utmost discretion until a case is fully concluded.

How to File a Police Report in Utah

In the state of Utah, the Records Management Act makes provision for citizens to report cases online, based on city or county. Every jurisdiction has an appropriate law enforcement department where citizens can report crimes. It is also quite clear in the state of Utah that most law enforcement departments do not make online provisions for reporting crimes. Most regions simply provide contact information for citizens to use in case of an emergency or a non-emergency.

Notwithstanding, for the online citizen reporting system, it must be a non-emergency situation, and here are a few cases that qualify:

• Minor thefts.
• Lost property.
• Minor vandalism.
• Fraud.
• Identity theft.
• Telephone harassment.
• Vehicle burglary.

Individuals can equally visit the nearest law enforcement agency to file a report and receive the needed intervention, in cases that are not emergencies. Also, note that the central state repository for criminal records makes available these records under the bureau of Identification.

Where to Find Free Utah Public Police Records

In Utah, the Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA) mandates all public agencies to make records available to citizens. Anyone that requires any police record should simply approach the agency with the records, depending on the exact information that is required. The central state-designated agency with these records is the Department of Public Safety. Citizens can also visit the law enforcement departments within their jurisdiction to acquire the needed records.

Third-party online access can also be a helpful medium for access to public records. Simply by running an online search, individuals can secure basic data on persons of interest. This may only provide a very limited amount of information but can serve as a good starting point for running a background check on anyone.

Where to Find Mugshots in Utah

A mugshot is a photograph of an arrested or charged person, taken by law enforcement. This image captures the front and side view profile of the subject.

Mugshots are public records in Utah and are available for public inspection or copying. Anyone seeking such a record can consult the appropriate agency by filing a request. Mugshots usually accompany criminal records; for example, the sex offender registry under the department of corrections (DOC) of Utah maintains records of sex offenders, and part of that record is a mugshot. By requesting this record, access shall be granted except in cases where there is an exemption.