(1)  A person is guilty of a felony of the second degree if by the use of force or by any threat which would constitute a means of committing the crime of theft by extortion under this code, if the threat were employed to obtain property, or by promise of any reward or pecuniary benefits, he attempts to induce an alleged victim of a crime to secure the dismissal of or to prevent the filing of a criminal complaint, indictment, or information.

Attorney's Note

Under the Utah Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
felony of the second degree1 to 15 yearsup to $10,000
For details, see Utah Code § 76-3-203

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Terms Used In Utah Code 76-8-509

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Person: means an individual, public or private corporation, government, partnership, or unincorporated association. See Utah Code 76-1-101.5
  • Property: includes both real and personal property. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5
(2)  “Victim,” as used in this section, includes a child or other person under the care or custody of a parent or guardian.

Enacted by Chapter 196, 1973 General Session