Addressing Protective Order Violations in Utah: A Quick Overview

If you live in Utah and have a protective order, it’s important to know what counts as a violation and what you can do about it. Utah’s laws aim to keep you safe and provide real consequences when someone breaks the rules of a protective order, no matter where you are—Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, St. George, or Logan.

This FAQ covers common questions about protective order violations in Utah: your rights, next steps, what law enforcement can (and cannot) do, and how Utah’s courts approach these cases. All answers rely on Utah Code and real-world scenarios you might encounter.

In Utah, any act that goes against the specific restrictions of your protective order is a violation. This can include unwanted calls, texts, visits to your home or workplace, or even going near locations the order forbids. The exact terms are listed in your order, so review it closely.

Breaking a Utah protective order is a crime, even if the protected person invites contact. The key statute is Utah Code § 78B-7-404, which makes violations a class A misdemeanor in most cases.

If you think your protective order was violated, take action right away. Your safety comes first. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Call 911 immediately if you are in danger or the situation feels urgent.
• Stay somewhere safe and avoid direct confrontation.
• Gather any evidence (texts, voicemails, photos, witness statements) that show the violation occurred.
• Write down details: date, time, place, and what happened.

Utah law enforcement takes these reports seriously. Do not wait or try to “work it out” directly if you fear for your safety.

Contact your local police or sheriff’s office as soon as possible. In Utah, you can report violations where the incident happened or where you live. Provide your protective order paperwork and any evidence you have.

1. Call 911 (emergency) or non-emergency police line (for ongoing but non-urgent issues).
2. Tell officers you have a Utah protective order and believe it was violated.
3. Give them a copy of your order—the police can verify it in statewide databases if you don’t have it handy.
4. Let police interview you and witnesses, and share all evidence.

Under Utah Code § 77-36-2.4, police must make an arrest if they have probable cause that a violation happened.

Yes. In Utah, if police have reasonable cause to believe a protective order was violated, they are required to arrest the alleged offender—no warrant is needed in these cases (Utah Code § 77-36-2.4 again). This is true whether you’re in a city (like Ogden or Provo) or a rural county.

If the suspect is gone when police arrive, they may issue an arrest warrant. Violating a protective order is prosecuted by the county or city attorney.

After you file a report, police will investigate and may arrest the person who violated the order. The case will then go to the local prosecutor. You may be asked to testify in court or provide evidence. The court can impose criminal penalties, jail time, fines, or stricter protective orders depending on the situation.

Utah courts move quickly in protective order cases. Most violations are handled as criminal offenses, and judges can also modify the order for your added safety.

Yes. In Utah, violating a protective order is a criminal offense and can appear on someone’s record, impacting employment, housing, and gun rights. A first violation is usually a class A misdemeanor, but repeat or serious offenses can bring felony charges (Utah Code § 78B-7-404).

The record can make it harder for the violator to pass background checks in Salt Lake, St. George, or anywhere in Utah.

You don’t have to hire an attorney to report a violation—Utah police and courts handle most steps automatically. But an attorney can be very helpful if:

• You’re not sure what counts as a violation.
• You need help with paperwork or speaking to police.
• You want to request a stricter or longer-lasting order.
• There are child custody or complex issues involved.

Free legal help is available through the Utah Legal Services hotline or local victim advocate offices.

There’s no official “statute of limitations” for reporting a recent violation in Utah—police can take reports as soon as you notify them. For criminal prosecution, Utah law does set deadlines for filing charges, but immediate reporting is always best to protect your safety and strengthen your case.

If you feel threatened, report as soon as possible. Police and courts in Utah prioritize your safety.

Yes. Utah protective orders are valid and enforced statewide, whether you’re in Logan, Moab, or Salt Lake City. Police and courts in any Utah county have access to your order in the statewide database and must respond if it is violated (Utah Code § 78B-7-801).

This protects you even if you move cities or travel within Utah.

In Utah, “third-party contact”—when the restrained person asks someone else to contact you in violation of the order—is usually a violation. This includes messages relayed by friends or family if the order prohibits all contact.

Save any texts, emails, or voicemails as evidence, and report these incidents to your local law enforcement or prosecutor.

• Always keep a copy of your Utah protective order (paper or digital) with you.
• Update trusted people (neighbors, work, school) about your situation so they can help watch for violations.
• Consider changing routines or updating locks as an extra precaution.
• Work with a local victim advocate—many Utah police departments can refer you.

You can also request increased patrols near your home or workplace if violations are repeated. Utah courts may adjust your protective order for added protection if you ask.