Degree

Depending on the facts, child abuse (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 a 2^nd degree felony child abuse (domestic violence) when they intentionally or knowingly inflict upon a child serious physical injury or, having the care or custody of such child, cause or permit another to inflict serious physical injury upon a child.

A defendant commits 3^rd degree felony child abuse (domestic violence) when they recklessly inflict upon a child serious physical injury or, having care or custody of such child, cause or permit another to inflict serious physical injury upon a child.

A defendant commits a class A misdemeanor child abuse (domestic violence) when, with criminal negligence, they inflict upon a child serious physical injury or, having the care or custody of such child, cause or permit another to inflict serious physical injury upon a child.

A defendant commits a class A misdemeanor child abuse (domestic violence) when they intentionally or knowingly inflict upon a child physical injury or, having the care or custody of such child, causes or permits another to inflict physical injury upon a child.

A defendant commits a class B misdemeanor child abuse (domestic violence) when they recklessly inflict upon a child physical injury or, having the care or custody of such child, cause or permit another to inflict serious physical injury upon a child.

A defendant commits a class C misdemeanor child abuse (domestic violence) when, with criminal negligence, they inflict upon a child physical injury or, having the care or custody of such child, cause or permit another to inflict serious physical injury upon a child.

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)
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)
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 C misdemeanor: A fine not to exceed $750, plus a 35% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(e), 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

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))
Class A misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 1 year.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(1))
Class B misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 6 months.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(2))
Class C misdemeanor: A term in jail not to exceed 90 days.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-204(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 class A misdemeanor, 2nd degree felony or 3rd degree felony child abuse (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

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