Degree

Depending on the facts, child abandonment (domestic violence) can be charged as a 2^nd degree felony, 3^rd degree felony, class A misdemeanor, class B misdemeanor or class C misdemeanor.

Elements

A defendant commits 2^nd degree felony child abandonment (domestic violence) when they commit child abandonment, or encourages or causes another to commit child abandonment, or an enterprise that encourages, commands, or causes another to commit child abandonment and as a result of the child abandonment: the child suffers a serious physical injury; or the person or enterprise receives, directly or indirectly, and benefit.

A defendant commits 3^rd degree felony child abandonment (domestic violence) when they commit child abandonment; encourage or cause another to commit child abandonment; or employ an enterprise that encourages, commands, or causes another to commit child abandonment.

Fine

2^nd degree felony: A fine not to exceed $10,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(a), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)
3^rd degree felony: A fine not to exceed $5,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(a)(b), 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)

Additional Penalty for Child Abandonment

In addition to any other penalty the court may order the person or enterprise to pay the costs of investigating and prosecuting the offense and the costs of securing any forfeiture.

Imprisonment

2^nd degree felony: A term of imprisonment not less than 1 year nor more than 15 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(2))
3^rd degree felony: A term of imprisonment not to exceed 5 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(3))

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 2^nd degree felony or 3^rd degree felony child abandonment (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

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