Degree

Depending on the facts, an assault (domestic violence) can be charged as either a class B misdemeanor or a class A misdemeanor.

Elements

The accused commits a class B misdemeanor assault (domestic violence) when they engage in one of the following:

• attempt, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another
• threaten, accompanied by a show of immediate force or violence, to do bodily injury to another; or
• an act, committed with unlawful force or violence, that causes bodily injury to another or creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person

The accused commits a class A assault (domestic violence) when they engage in an act, committed with unlawful force or violence, that causes substantial bodily injury to another; or, when committing a class B misdemeanor assault, the victim is pregnant and the person has knowledge of the pregnancy.

Fine

Class B misdemeanor: A fine not to exceed $1,000 , plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(d), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)
Class A misdemeanor: A fine not to exceed $2,500 , plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(c), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)

Restitution

The court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-38a-301)

Imprisonment

Class B misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 6 months.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(2))
Class A misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 1 year.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(1))

Bail

Because of the unique and highly emotional nature of domestic violence crimes, the high recidivism rate of violent offenders, and the demonstrated increased risk of continued acts of violence subsequent to the release of an offender who has been arrested for domestic violence, it was the finding of the Utah Legislature that domestic violence crimes, are crimes for which bail may be denied if there is substantial evidence to support the charge, and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that he alleged perpetrator would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of domestic violence if released on bail.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-6-2.5(12))

Addition Sentence for Domestic Violence

In addition to penalties otherwise provided by law, the court may:

• Order defendant to participate in an electronic or other type of monitoring program; and/or
• Order defendant to pay all or part of the costs of counseling incurred by the victim and any children affected by or exposed to the domestic violence offense;

The court will:

• Order cost of any services or treatment provided to the victim and affected children of the victim; and
• Order the defendant to obtain and satisfactorily complete treatment or therapy in a domestic violence treatment program, that is licensed by Utah’s Department of Human Services, unless the court finds that there is no licensed program reasonably available or that the treatment or therapy is not necessary.
  (Utah Code Ann. §77-36-5(3)(4) and (5))

DNA Specimen Analysis

A defendant convicted of a class A misdemeanor assault (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

A defendant convicted of assault (domestic violence) may not posses, use or have control of a firearm or ammunition for life.
(18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9))