Administrative vs. criminal. Administrative fines come from agencies (e.g., city code enforcement, Utah DEQ, DOPL, DLD). Criminal fines come from a criminal case (like DUI or theft) in court.

If your paperwork says “Notice of Violation,” “Citation,” or “Administrative Order,” you’re in the administrative track and your appeal follows agency procedures rather than the criminal court process.

City or county fines. Local parking, zoning, and code enforcement.

State agency fines. Environmental (DEQ), licensing (DOPL), or driver license actions (DLD).

Each agency runs its own appeal track and deadlines. Read the notice closely it usually tells you where to file.

Most agencies give 10–30 days from receipt to appeal. Miss it and the penalty may be finalized.

Watch for lines like: “You must request a hearing within 10 days” or “Failure to appeal within 30 days.” File early, don’t wait for the last day.

Utah’s Administrative Procedures Act (Utah Code §§ 63G-4-201 to 63G-4-403) governs appeals. Typically you will:

Once accepted, the agency schedules a hearing. You can explain your side, present evidence, and question the agency’s findings. A written decision follows.

Bring: Original documents, receipts, photos showing compliance; relevant email or letter threads; witnesses or expert statements if needed. Hearings are less formal than court, be organized, factual, and respectful.

If you win: The agency may cancel or reduce the fine.

If you lose: You can usually appeal to a higher administrative body or to Utah District Court under Utah Code § 63G-4-402. District court appeals are formal and often require legal help, but give you another chance on legal or procedural grounds.