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Utah Code § 76-18-218

Unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order

Enacted by Chapter 362, 2026 General Session

(1) Terms defined in Sections 58-37-101, 76-1-101.5, 76-18-101, and 76-18-201 apply to this section.

(2) An actor commits unlawfully making, forging, altering, or uttering a prescription or a written order if the actor knowingly and intentionally:

(a) makes a false or forged prescription or written order for a controlled substance;

(b) utters a false or forged prescription or written order for a controlled substance; or

(c) alters a prescription or written order issued or written under the terms of this chapter or Title 58, Chapter 37, Controlled Substances.

(3) A violation of Subsection (2) is:

(a) a class A misdemeanor on a first or second conviction; or

(b) a third degree felony on a third or subsequent conviction.

(4)

(a) An actor may be charged and sentenced for a violation of this section, notwithstanding a charge and sentence for a violation of any other section of this part or Title 58, Chapter 37, Controlled Substances.

(b) A penalty imposed for a violation of this section is in addition to, and not in lieu of, a civil or administrative penalty or sanction authorized by law.

(c) Defenses and exemptions in Section 76-18-203 apply to this section.

(d) A previous conviction used for a penalty enhancement under this section includes a conviction for an offense described in a statute previously in effect in this state that is the same or substantially similar to a violation of this section.

(5) If a minor who is under 18 years old is found by a court to have violated this section, the court may order the minor to complete:

(a) a screening as defined in Section 41-6a-501;

(b) an assessment as defined in Section 41-6a-501 if the screening described in Subsection (5)(a) indicates that an assessment is appropriate; and

(c) an educational series as defined in Section 41-6a-501 or substance use disorder treatment as indicated by an assessment described in Subsection (5)(b).

Official source: Utah State Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Utah statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.