H.B. 19

1

ASSAULT ON A PEACE OFFICER PENALTY
2 AMENDMENTS
3 2008 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Paul Ray
6 Senate Sponsor: Darin G. Peterson
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 Committee Note:
10 The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee recommended this bill.
11 General Description:
12 This bill modifies the Criminal Code regarding assault on a peace officer.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This bill:
15 . increases the penalty for committing a second or subsequent assault against a peace
16 officer from a class A misdemeanor to a third degree felony;
17 . provides that the section amended in this bill does not affect the exercise of
18 constitutional rights, including the right of free speech and the right of assembly;
19 and
20 . provides a definition of "peace officer."
21 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
22 None
23 Other Special Clauses:
24 None
25 Utah Code Sections Affected:
26 AMENDS:
27 76-5-102.4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 172

28
29 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
30 Section 1. Section 76-5-102.4 is amended to read:
31 76-5-102.4. Assault against peace officer -- Penalty.
32 (1) As used in this section, "peace officer" means a law enforcement officer certified
33 under Section 53-13-103 .
34 [(1)] (2) (a) Any person who assaults a peace officer, with knowledge that he is a peace
35 officer, and when the peace officer is acting within the scope of his authority as a peace officer,
36 is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, except as provided in Subsection (2)(b).
37 (b) A person who violates this section and has been previously convicted of a violation
38 of this section is guilty of a third degree felony.
39 [(2)] (3) A person who violates this section shall serve, in jail or another correctional
40 facility, a minimum of:
41 (a) 90 consecutive days for a second offense; and
42 (b) 180 consecutive days for each subsequent offense.
43 [(3)] (4) The court may suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence required
44 under Subsection [(2)] (3) if the court finds that the interests of justice would be best served
45 and makes specific findings concerning the disposition in writing or on the record.
46 (5) This section does not affect or limit any individual's constitutional right to the
47 lawful expression of free speech, the right of assembly, or any other recognized rights secured
48 by the Constitution or laws of Utah or by the Constitution or laws of the United States.




Legislative Review Note
as of 9-20-07 4:48 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel