- (1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-8-101, and 76-8-501 apply to this section.
(2) An actor commits making a written false statement if:
- (a) the actor makes a statement that the actor does not believe to be true on or under a form bearing a notification authorized by law to the effect that a false statement made therein is punishable; or
(b) with intent to deceive a public servant in the performance of the public servant's official function, the actor:
- (i) makes a written false statement that the actor does not believe to be true;
- (ii) knowingly creates a false impression in a written application for a pecuniary or other benefit by omitting information necessary to prevent a statement in the application from being misleading;
- (iii) submits or invites reliance on a writing that the actor knows to be lacking in authenticity; or
- (iv) submits or invites reliance on a sample, specimen, map, boundary mark, or other object that the actor knows to be false.
(3)
- (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.
- (b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the false statement is on a financial declaration described in Section 77-38b-204.
(4)
- (a) An actor does not violate this section if the actor retracted the false statement before it became manifest that the falsity of the statement had been or would be exposed.
- (b) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that, if applicable, an oath or affirmation was administered or taken in an irregular manner.
Amended by Chapter 96, 2024 General Session