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H.B. 144

             1     

SENTENCING ENHANCEMENT

             2     
2000 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Greg J. Curtis

             5      AN ACT RELATING TO THE CRIMINAL CODE; AMENDING PROVISIONS REGARDING
             6      SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS TO REFLECT A RECENT UTAH SUPREME COURT
             7      RULING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
             8      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             9      AMENDS:
             10          76-3-203, as last amended by Chapter 289, Laws of Utah 1997
             11          76-3-203.1, as last amended by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1999
             12          76-3-203.2, as last amended by Chapter 289, Laws of Utah 1997
             13          76-3-203.5, as last amended by Chapter 97, Laws of Utah 1999
             14          76-6-109, as enacted by Chapter 115, Laws of Utah 1998
             15          76-10-508, as last amended by Chapter 295, Laws of Utah 1999
             16      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             17          Section 1. Section 76-3-203 is amended to read:
             18           76-3-203. Felony conviction -- Indeterminate term of imprisonment -- Increase of
             19      sentence if dangerous weapon used.
             20          (1) As used in this section, "dangerous weapon" has the same definition as in Section
             21      76-1-601 .
             22          (2) A person who has been convicted of a felony may be sentenced to imprisonment for
             23      an indeterminate term as follows:
             24          [(1)] (a) In the case of a felony of the first degree, for a term [at] of not less than five years,
             25      unless otherwise specifically provided by law, and which may be for life, but if the trier of fact
             26      finds beyond a reasonable doubt that a dangerous weapon[, as defined in Section 76-1-601 ,] was
             27      used in the commission or furtherance of the felony, the court shall [additionally] sentence the


             28      person convicted for a term of [one year to run consecutively and not concurrently; and the court
             29      may additionally sentence the person convicted for an indeterminate term not to exceed five years
             30      to run consecutively and not concurrently] not less than six years, and which may be for life.
             31          [(2)] (b) In the case of a felony of the second degree, for a term [at] of not less than one
             32      year nor more than 15 years, but if the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that a
             33      dangerous weapon[, as defined in Section 76-1-601 ,] was used in the commission or furtherance
             34      of the felony, the court shall [additionally] sentence the person convicted for a term of [one year
             35      to run consecutively and not concurrently] not less than two years nor more than 15 years; and the
             36      court may [additionally] sentence the person convicted for [an indeterminate term not to exceed
             37      five years to run consecutively and not concurrently] a term of not less than two years nor more
             38      than 20 years.
             39          [(3)] (c) In the case of a felony of the third degree, for a term not to exceed five years, but
             40      if the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that a dangerous weapon[, as defined in Section
             41      76-1-601 ,] was used in the commission or furtherance of the felony, the court shall sentence the
             42      person convicted for a term of not less than one year nor more than five years; and the court may
             43      [additionally] sentence the person convicted [for an indeterminate term not to exceed five years
             44      to run consecutively and not concurrently] for a term of not less than one year nor more than ten
             45      years.
             46          [(4) Any] (d) If the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that any person who has
             47      been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for a felony in which a dangerous weapon[, as defined
             48      in Section 76-1-601 ,] was used [or involved] in the [accomplishment] commission of or
             49      furtherance of the felony and is subsequently convicted of another felony when a dangerous
             50      weapon was used [or involved] in the [accomplishment] commission of or furtherance of the
             51      felony shall, in addition to any other sentence imposed, be sentenced for an indeterminate term to
             52      be not less than five nor more than ten years to run consecutively and not concurrently.
             53          Section 2. Section 76-3-203.1 is amended to read:
             54           76-3-203.1. Offenses committed in concert with two or more persons -- Notice --
             55      Enhanced penalties.
             56          (1) (a) A person who commits any offense listed in Subsection (4) [in concert with two
             57      or more persons] is subject to an enhanced penalty for the offense as provided [below] in
             58      Subsection (3) if the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the person acted in concert


             59      with two or more persons.
             60          (b) "In concert with two or more persons" as used in this section means the defendant [and
             61      two or more other persons participated as parties to the offense under Section 76-2-202 ] was aided
             62      or encouraged by at least two other persons in committing the offense and was aware that he was
             63      so aided or encouraged, and each of the other persons:
             64          (i) was physically present; or
             65          (ii) participated as a party to any offense listed in Subsection (4).
             66          [(c) In determining if a convicted person committed an offense in concert with two or more
             67      persons, the standard of proof applied by the sentencing judge shall be the preponderance of the
             68      evidence.]
             69          (c) For purposes of Subsection (1)(b)(ii):
             70          (i) other persons participating as parties need not have the intent to engage in the same
             71      offense or degree of offense as the defendant; and
             72          (ii) a minor is a party if the minor's actions would cause him to be a party if he were an
             73      adult.
             74          (2) [(a)] The prosecuting attorney, or grand jury if an indictment is returned, shall cause
             75      to be subscribed upon the [complaint in misdemeanor cases or the] information or indictment [in
             76      felony cases] notice that the defendant is subject to the enhanced penalties provided under this
             77      section. [The notice shall be in a clause separate from and in addition to the substantive offense
             78      charged.]
             79          [(b) If the subscription is not included initially, the court may subsequently allow the
             80      prosecutor to amend the charging document to include the subscription if the court finds the
             81      charging documents, including any statement of probable cause, provide notice to the defendant
             82      of the allegation he committed the offense in concert with two or more persons, or if the court
             83      finds the defendant has not otherwise been substantially prejudiced by the omission.]
             84          (3) The enhanced [penalties] penalty for [offenses committed under this section are] a:
             85          (a) [If the offense is a] class B misdemeanor[, the convicted person shall serve a minimum
             86      term of 90 consecutive days in a jail or other secure correctional facility.] is a class A
             87      misdemeanor;
             88          (b) [If the offense is a] class A misdemeanor[, the convicted person shall serve a minimum
             89      term of 180 consecutive days in a jail or other secure correctional facility.] is a third degree felony;


             90          (c) [If the offense is a] third degree felony[, the convicted person shall be sentenced to an
             91      enhanced minimum term of three years in prison.] is a second degree felony;
             92          (d) [If the offense is a] second degree felony[, the convicted person shall be sentenced to
             93      an enhanced minimum term of six years in prison.] is a first degree felony;
             94          (e) [If the offense is a] first degree felony[, the convicted person shall be sentenced to] is
             95      an enhanced minimum term of nine years in prison[.]; and
             96          (f) [If the offense is a] capital offense for which a life sentence is imposed[, the convicted
             97      person shall be sentenced to] is a minimum term of 20 years in prison.
             98          (4) Offenses referred to in Subsection (1) are:
             99          (a) any criminal violation of Title 58, Chapter 37, 37a, 37b, or 37c, regarding drug-related
             100      offenses;
             101          (b) assault and related offenses under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 1;
             102          (c) any criminal homicide offense under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 2;
             103          (d) kidnapping and related offenses under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3;
             104          (e) any felony sexual offense under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4;
             105          (f) sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in Section 76-5a-3 ;
             106          (g) any property destruction offense under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 1;
             107          (h) burglary, criminal trespass, and related offenses under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 2;
             108          (i) robbery and aggravated robbery under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 3;
             109          (j) theft and related offenses under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 4;
             110          (k) any fraud offense under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 5, except Sections 76-6-503 ,
             111      76-6-504 , 76-6-505 , 76-6-507 , 76-6-508 , 76-6-509 , 76-6-510 , 76-6-511 , 76-6-512 , 76-6-513 ,
             112      76-6-514 , 76-6-516 , 76-6-517 , 76-6-518 , and 76-6-520 ;
             113          (l) any offense of obstructing government operations under [Part 3,] Title 76, Chapter 8,
             114      Part 3, except Sections 76-8-302 , 76-8-303 , 76-8-304 , 76-8-307 , 76-8-308 , and 76-8-312 ;
             115          (m) tampering with a witness or other violation of Section 76-8-508 ;
             116          (n) extortion or bribery to dismiss criminal proceeding as defined in Section 76-8-509 ;
             117          (o) any explosives offense under Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 3;
             118          (p) any weapons offense under Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 5;
             119          (q) pornographic and harmful materials and performances offenses under Title 76, Chapter
             120      10, Part 12;


             121          (r) prostitution and related offenses under Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 13;
             122          (s) any violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 15, Bus Passenger Safety Act;
             123          (t) any violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 16, Pattern of Unlawful Activity Act;
             124          (u) communications fraud as defined in Section 76-10-1801 ;
             125          (v) any violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 19, Money Laundering and Currency
             126      Transaction Reporting Act; and
             127          (w) burglary of a research facility as defined in Section 76-10-2002 .
             128          [(5) (a) This section does not create any separate offense but provides an enhanced penalty
             129      for the primary offense.]
             130          [(b)] (5) It is not a bar to imposing the enhanced penalties under this section that the
             131      persons with whom the actor is alleged to have acted in concert are not identified, apprehended,
             132      charged, or convicted, or that any of those persons are charged with or convicted of a different or
             133      lesser offense.
             134          [(c) (i) The sentencing judge rather than the jury shall decide whether to impose the
             135      enhanced penalty under this section.]
             136          [(ii) The imposition of the penalty is contingent upon a finding by the sentencing judge by
             137      a preponderance of the evidence that this section is applicable.]
             138          [(iii) In conjunction with sentencing the court shall enter written findings of fact
             139      concerning the applicability of this section.]
             140          [(6) The court may suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence required under this
             141      section if the court:]
             142          [(a) finds that the interests of justice would be best served; and]
             143          [(b) states the specific circumstances justifying the disposition on the record and in
             144      writing.]
             145          Section 3. Section 76-3-203.2 is amended to read:
             146           76-3-203.2. Definitions -- Use of dangerous weapon in offenses committed on or
             147      about school premises -- Enhanced penalties.
             148          (1) (a) ["On] As used in this section and Section 76-10-505.5 , "on or about school
             149      premises" [as used in this section and Section 76-10-505.5 ] means any of the following:
             150          (i) in a public or private elementary, secondary, or on the grounds of any of those schools;
             151          (ii) in a public or private vocational school or postsecondary institution or on the grounds


             152      of any of those schools or institutions;
             153          (iii) in those portions of any building, park, stadium, or other structure or grounds which
             154      are, at the time of the act, being used for an activity sponsored by or through a school or institution
             155      under Subsections (1)(a)(i) and (ii);
             156          (iv) in or on the grounds of a preschool or child-care facility; and
             157          (v) within 1,000 feet of any structure, facility, or grounds included in Subsections (1)(a)(i),
             158      (ii), (iii), and (iv).
             159          (b) As used in this section:
             160          (i) "Dangerous weapon" has the same definition as in Section 76-1-601 .
             161          [(i)] (ii) "Educator" means any person who is employed by a public school district and who
             162      is required to hold a certificate issued by the State Board of Education in order to perform duties
             163      of employment.
             164          [(ii)] (iii) "Within the course of employment" means that an educator is providing services
             165      or engaging in conduct required by the educator's employer to perform the duties of employment.
             166          (2) Any person who, on or about school premises, commits any offense and uses or
             167      threatens to use a dangerous weapon, as defined in Section 76-1-601 , in the commission of the
             168      offense is subject to an enhanced degree of offense as provided in Subsection (4).
             169          (3) (a) Any person who commits an offense against an educator when the educator is
             170      acting within the course of employment is subject to an enhanced degree of offense as provided
             171      in Subsection (4).
             172          (b) As used in Subsection (3)(a), "offense" means:
             173          (i) an offense under Title 76, Chapter 5, Offenses Against The Person; and
             174          [(c)] (ii) an offense under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 3, Robbery.
             175          (4) [The] If the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, while on
             176      or about school premises, commits any offense and in the commission of the offense uses or
             177      threatens to use a dangerous weapon, or that the defendant committed an offense against an
             178      educator when the educator was acting within the course of his employment, the enhanced [degree
             179      of offense for offenses committed under this section are] penalty for a:
             180          (a) [if the offense is otherwise a] class B misdemeanor [it] is a class A misdemeanor;
             181          (b) [if the offense is otherwise a] class A misdemeanor [it] is a third degree felony;
             182          (c) [if the offense is otherwise a] third degree felony [it] is a second degree felony; or


             183          (d) [if the offense is otherwise a] second degree felony [it] is a first degree felony.
             184          (5) The enhanced penalty for a first degree felony offense of a convicted person:
             185          (a) [shall be] is imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and which may be for
             186      life, and imposition or execution of the sentence may not be suspended unless the court finds that
             187      the interests of justice would be best served and states the specific circumstances justifying the
             188      disposition on the record; and
             189          (b) [shall be] is subject also to the dangerous weapon enhancement provided in Section
             190      76-3-203 except for an offense committed under Subsection (3) that does not involve a firearm.
             191          (6) [(a)] The prosecuting attorney, or grand jury if an indictment is returned, shall provide
             192      notice upon the information or indictment that the defendant is subject to the enhanced degree of
             193      offense or penalty under Subsection (4) or (5). [The notice shall be in a clause separate from and
             194      in addition to the substantive offense charged.]
             195          [(b) If the notice is not included initially, the court may subsequently allow the prosecutor
             196      to amend the charging documents to include the notice if the court finds the charging document,
             197      including any statement of probable cause, provide notice to the defendant of the allegation he
             198      committed the offense on or about school premises, or if the court finds the defendant has not
             199      otherwise been substantially prejudiced by the omission.]
             200          (7) In cases where an offense is enhanced pursuant to Subsection (4)(a), (b), (c), or (d), or
             201      under Subsection (5)(a) for an offense committed under Subsection (2) that does not involve a
             202      firearm, the convicted person [shall] is not [be] subject to the dangerous weapon enhancement in
             203      Section 76-3-203 .
             204          Section 4. Section 76-3-203.5 is amended to read:
             205           76-3-203.5. Habitual violent offender -- Definition -- Procedure -- Penalty.
             206          (1) As used in this section:
             207          (a) "Felony" means any offense against a criminal statute of the state, any other state, the
             208      United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States for which the maximum
             209      punishment the offender may be subjected to exceeds one year in prison.
             210          (b) "Habitual violent offender" means a person convicted within the state of any violent
             211      felony and who, on at least two previous occasions [as provided in Subsection (2),] has been
             212      convicted of a violent felony and committed to either prison in Utah or an equivalent correctional
             213      institution of another state or of the United States either at initial sentencing or after revocation of


             214      probation.
             215          (c) (i) "Violent felony" means any of the following offenses, or any attempt, solicitation,
             216      or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses punishable as a felony:
             217          (A) aggravated arson, arson, knowingly causing a catastrophe, and criminal mischief under
             218      Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 1, Property Destruction;
             219          (B) aggravated assault under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 1, Assault and Related Offenses;
             220          (C) criminal homicide offenses under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 2, Criminal Homicide;
             221          (D) aggravated kidnapping and kidnapping under Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 3, Kidnaping;
             222          (E) rape, Section 76-5-402 ;
             223          (F) rape of a child, Section 76-5-402.1 ;
             224          (G) object rape, Section 76-5-402.2 ;
             225          (H) object rape of a child, Section 76-5-402.3 ;
             226          (I) forcible sodomy, Section 76-5-403 ;
             227          (J) sodomy on a child, Section 76-5-403.1 ;
             228          (K) forcible sexual abuse, Section 76-5-404 ;
             229          (L) aggravated sexual abuse of a child and sexual abuse of a child, Section 76-5-404.1 ;
             230          (M) aggravated sexual assault, Section 76-5-405 ;
             231          (N) sexual exploitation of a minor, Section 76-5a-3 ;
             232          (O) aggravated burglary and burglary of a dwelling under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 2,
             233      Burglary and Criminal Trespass;
             234          (P) aggravated robbery and robbery under Title 76, Chapter 6, Part 3, Robbery;
             235          (Q) theft by extortion under Subsection 76-6-406 (2)(a) or (b);
             236          (R) tampering with a witness under Subsection 76-8-508 (2)(c);
             237          (S) tampering with a juror under Subsection 76-8-508.5 (2)(c);
             238          (T) extortion to dismiss a criminal proceeding under Section 76-8-509 if by any threat or
             239      by use of force theft by extortion has been committed pursuant to Subsections 76-6-406 (2)(a), (b),
             240      and (i);
             241          (U) damage or destruction of school or institution of higher education property by
             242      explosives or flammable materials under Section 76-8-715 ;
             243          (V) possession, use, or removal of explosive, chemical, or incendiary devices under
             244      Subsections 76-10-306 (3) through (6);


             245          (W) unlawful delivery of explosive, chemical, or incendiary devices under Section
             246      76-10-307 ;
             247          (X) purchase or possession of a dangerous weapon or handgun by a restricted person under
             248      Section 76-10-503 ;
             249          (Y) unlawful discharge of a firearm under Section 76-10-508 ;
             250          (Z) aggravated exploitation of prostitution under Subsection 76-10-1306 (1)(a);
             251          (AA) bus hijacking under Section 76-10-1504 ; and
             252          (BB) discharging firearms and hurling missiles under Section 76-10-1505 ; or
             253          (ii) any felony offense against a criminal statute of any other state, the United States, or
             254      any district, possession, or territory of the United States which would constitute a violent felony
             255      as defined in this Subsection (1) if committed in this state.
             256          [(2) (a) The penalty enhancement provisions of this section apply, if during the ten years
             257      immediately preceding the commission of the violent felony, the person has been:]
             258          [(i) convicted of any felony;]
             259          [(ii) incarcerated, on parole, or on probation for any felony; or]
             260          [(iii) the subject of an unexecuted felony arrest warrant.]
             261          [(b) The provisions of Subsection (2)(a) include any conviction, incarceration, parole,
             262      probation, escape, abscontion, and arrest warrant under the laws of this state, any other state, the
             263      United States, or any district, possession, or territory of the United States.]
             264          [(3)] (2) If a person is convicted in this state of a violent felony by plea or by verdict and
             265      the [sentencing court] trier of fact determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is a
             266      habitual violent offender under this section, the penalty for a:
             267          (a) third degree felony [shall be] is as if the conviction were for a first degree felony;
             268          (b) second degree felony [shall be] is as if the conviction were for a first degree felony;
             269      or
             270          (c) first degree felony [shall remain] remains the penalty for a first degree penalty except:
             271          (i) the convicted person is not eligible for probation; and
             272          (ii) the Board of Pardons and Parole shall consider that the convicted person is a habitual
             273      violent offender as an aggravating factor to determine the length of incarceration.
             274          [(4)] (3) (a) In all cases, notice that the prosecution intends to seek punishment as a
             275      habitual violent offender under this section shall be provided in writing and shall be served upon


             276      the defendant or his attorney not later than ten days prior to trial. Notice shall include the case
             277      number, court, and date of conviction or commitment of any case relied upon by the prosecution.
             278          (b) (i) The defendant shall serve notice in writing upon the prosecutor if the defendant
             279      intends to deny that:
             280          (A) the defendant is the person who was convicted or committed;
             281          (B) the defendant was represented by counsel or had waived counsel; or
             282          (C) the defendant's plea was understandingly or voluntarily entered.
             283          (ii) The notice of denial shall be served not later than five days prior to trial and shall state
             284      in detail the defendant's contention regarding the previous conviction and commitment.
             285          [(c) The court shall determine if this section applies prior]
             286          (4) (a) If the defendant enters a denial under Subsection (3)(b) and if the case is tried to
             287      a jury, the jury may not be told until after it returns its verdict on the underlying felony charge, of
             288      the:
             289          (i) defendant's previous convictions for violent felonies, except as otherwise provided in
             290      the Utah Rules of Evidence; or
             291          (ii) allegation against the defendant of being a habitual violent offender.
             292          (b) If the jury's verdict is guilty, the defendant shall be tried regarding the allegation of
             293      being an habitual violent offender by the same jury, if practicable, unless the defendant waives the
             294      jury, in which case the allegation shall be tried immediately to the court.
             295          (c) (i) Prior to or at the time of sentencing the trier of fact shall determine if this section
             296      applies.
             297          (ii) The [court] trier of fact shall consider any evidence presented at trial and [a shall
             298      afford] the prosecution and the defendant shall be afforded an opportunity to present any necessary
             299      additional evidence.
             300          (iii) Prior to sentencing under this section, the [court] trier of fact shall determine whether
             301      this section is applicable [by a preponderance of the evidence] beyond a reasonable doubt.
             302          (d) If any previous conviction and commitment is based upon a plea of guilty or no contest,
             303      there is a rebuttable presumption that the conviction and commitment were regular and lawful in
             304      all respects if the conviction and commitment occurred after January 1, 1970. If the conviction and
             305      commitment occurred prior to January 1, 1970, the burden is on the prosecution to establish by a
             306      preponderance of the evidence that the defendant was then represented by counsel or had lawfully


             307      waived his right to have counsel present, and that his plea was understandingly and voluntarily
             308      entered.
             309          (e) If the [court] trier of fact finds this section applicable, [it] the court shall enter that
             310      specific finding on the record and shall indicate in the order of judgment and commitment that the
             311      defendant has been found by the [court] trier of fact to be a habitual violent offender and is
             312      sentenced under this section.
             313          (5) The habitual violent offender provisions of this section are [not] an element of the
             314      offense, and proof of a defendant's conduct as a habitual violent offender is [not] necessary at a
             315      preliminary hearing or at trial.
             316          (6) (a) The sentencing enhancement provisions of Sections 76-3-407 and 76-3-408 [shall]
             317      apply to a felony conviction defined in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, and [shall]
             318      supersede the provisions of this section.
             319          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a):
             320          (i) the convictions under Sections 76-5-404 and 76-5a-3 [shall be] are governed by the
             321      enhancement provisions of this section; and
             322          (ii) the "violent felony" offense defined in Subsection (1)(c) shall include any felony sexual
             323      offense violation of Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses, to determine if the convicted
             324      person is a habitual violent offender.
             325          Section 5. Section 76-6-109 is amended to read:
             326           76-6-109. Offenses committed against timber, mining, or agricultural industries --
             327      Enhanced penalties.
             328          (1) A person who commits any criminal offense with the intent to halt, impede, obstruct,
             329      or interfere with the lawful management, cultivation, or harvesting of trees or timber, or the
             330      management or operations of agricultural or mining industries is subject to an enhanced penalty
             331      for the offense as provided below. However, this section does not apply to action protected by the
             332      National Labor Relations Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 151 et seq., or the Federal Railway Labor Act,
             333      45 U.S.C. Section 151 et seq.
             334          (2) [(a)] The prosecuting attorney, or grand jury if an indictment is returned, shall cause
             335      to be subscribed upon the complaint in misdemeanor cases or the information or indictment in
             336      felony cases notice that the defendant is subject to the enhanced penalties provided under this
             337      section. [The notice shall be in a clause separate from and in addition to the substantive offense


             338      charged.]
             339          [(b) If the subscription is not included initially, the court may subsequently allow the
             340      prosecutor to amend the charging document to include the subscription if the court finds the
             341      charging documents, including any statement of probable cause, provide notice to the defendant
             342      of the allegation he committed the offense as described in Subsection (1), or if the court finds the
             343      defendant has not otherwise been substantially prejudiced by the omission.]
             344          (3) [The] If the trier of fact finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed
             345      any criminal offense with the intent to halt, impede, obstruct, or interfere with the lawful
             346      management, cultivation, or harvesting of trees or timber, or the management or operations of
             347      agricultural or mining industries, the penalties are enhanced as provided in this Subsection (3):
             348          (a) a class C misdemeanor is a class B misdemeanor, with a mandatory fine of not less than
             349      $1,000, which is in addition to any term of imprisonment the court may impose;
             350          (b) a class B misdemeanor is a Class A misdemeanor, with a fine of not less than $2,500,
             351      which is in addition to any term of imprisonment the court may impose;
             352          (c) a class A misdemeanor is a third degree felony, with a fine of not less than $5,000,
             353      which is in addition to any term of imprisonment the court may impose;
             354          (d) a third degree felony is a second degree felony, with a fine of not less than $7,500,
             355      which is in addition to any term of imprisonment the court may impose; and
             356          (e) a second degree felony is subject to a fine of not less than $10,000, which is in addition
             357      to any term of imprisonment the court may impose.
             358          [(4) This section does not create any separate offense but provides an enhanced penalty
             359      for the primary offense.]
             360          Section 6. Section 76-10-508 is amended to read:
             361           76-10-508. Discharge of firearm from a vehicle, near a highway, or in direction of
             362      any person, building, or vehicle -- Penalties.
             363          (1) (a) A person may not discharge any kind of dangerous weapon or firearm:
             364          (i) from an automobile or other vehicle;
             365          (ii) from, upon, or across any highway;
             366          (iii) at any road signs placed upon any highways of the state;
             367          (iv) at any communications equipment or property of public utilities including facilities,
             368      lines, poles, or devices of transmission or distribution;


             369          (v) at railroad equipment or facilities including any sign or signal;
             370          (vi) within Utah State Park buildings, designated camp or picnic sites, overlooks, golf
             371      courses, boat ramps, and developed beaches; or
             372          (vii) without written permission to discharge the dangerous weapon from the owner or
             373      person in charge of the property within 600 feet of:
             374          (A) a house, dwelling, or any other building; or
             375          (B) any structure in which a domestic animal is kept or fed, including a barn, poultry yard,
             376      corral, feeding pen, or stockyard.
             377          (b) It shall be a defense to any charge for violating this section that the person being
             378      accused had actual permission of the owner or person in charge of the property at the time in
             379      question.
             380          (2) A violation of any provision of this section is a class B misdemeanor unless the actor
             381      discharges a firearm under any of the following circumstances not amounting to criminal homicide
             382      or attempted criminal homicide, in which case it is a third degree felony and the convicted person
             383      shall be sentenced to an enhanced minimum term of three years in prison:
             384          (a) the actor discharges a firearm in the direction of any person or persons, knowing or
             385      having reason to believe that any person may be endangered;
             386          (b) the actor, with intent to intimidate or harass another or with intent to damage a
             387      habitable structure as defined in Subsection 76-6-101 (2), discharges a firearm in the direction of
             388      any building; or
             389          (c) the actor, with intent to intimidate or harass another, discharges a firearm in the
             390      direction of any vehicle.
             391          [(3) (a) If a conviction is for a violation of Subsection (2), the convicted person shall be
             392      sentenced to an enhanced minimum term of three years in prison.]
             393          [(b) The prosecuting attorney, or grand jury if an indictment is returned, shall cause to be
             394      subscribed upon the information or indictment notice that the defendant is subject to the enhanced
             395      penalty provided under this Subsection (3). The notice shall be in a clause separate from and in
             396      addition to the substantive offense charged.]
             397          [(c) If the subscription is not included initially, the court may subsequently allow the
             398      prosecutor to amend the charging document to include the subscription if the court finds the
             399      charging documents, including any statement of probable cause, provide notice to the defendant


             400      of the allegation he committed a violation of Subsection (2), or if the court finds the defendant has
             401      not otherwise been substantially prejudiced by the omission.]
             402          [(d) The sentencing judge rather than the jury shall decide whether to impose the enhanced
             403      penalty under this Subsection (3). The imposition of the penalty is contingent upon a finding by
             404      the sentencing judge that this Subsection (3) is applicable. In conjunction with sentencing the
             405      court shall enter on the record findings of fact concerning the applicability of this section.]
             406          [(e) The court may suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence required under this
             407      section if the court:]
             408          [(i) finds that the interests of justice would be best served; and]
             409          [(ii) states the specific circumstances justifying the disposition on the record.]
             410          [(4)] (3) This section does not apply to a person:
             411          (a) who discharges any kind of firearm when that person is in lawful defense of self or
             412      others; or
             413          (b) who is performing official duties as provided in Sections 23-20-1.5 and 76-10-523 and
             414      as otherwise provided by law.
             415          Section 7. Effective date.
             416          If approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, this act takes effect
             417      upon approval by the governor, or the day following the constitutional time limit of Utah
             418      Constitution Article VII, Section 8, without the governor's signature, or in the case of a veto, the
             419      date of veto override.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-25-00 4:29 PM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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