Forcible entry to conduct a search -- Conditions requiring a warrant -- No-knock warrants.
Utah Code § 77-7-8.1
in effect77-7-8.1. Forcible entry to conduct a search -- Conditions requiring a warrant -- No-knock warrants.
(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Daytime hours" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-5.
(b) "Forcibly enter" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-8.
(c) "Nighttime hours" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-5.
(d) "No-knock warrant" means a lawful search warrant that authorizes entry onto a premises without notice to any occupant on the premises at the time of service.
(e) "Supervisory official" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-8.
(f) "Peace officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53-1-102.
(g) "Premises" means any property, building, room, conveyance, compartment, or other enclosure.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this section, a peace officer serving a lawful no-knock warrant may forcibly enter a premises to be searched without notice.
(3) Before seeking a no-knock warrant from a judge or magistrate under Subsection (2), a supervisory official shall, using the peace officer's affidavit:
(a) independently perform an assessment to evaluate the totality of the circumstances;
(b) ensure reasonable intelligence gathering efforts have been made;
(c) ensure a threat assessment was completed on the individual or premises to be searched; and
(d) determine either that there is a sufficient basis to support seeking a warrant or require that the peace officer continue evidence gathering efforts.
(4)
(a) The affidavit for a no-knock warrant shall describe:
(i) why the peace officer believes the suspect is unable to be detained or the residence searched using less invasive or less confrontational methods;
(ii) investigative activities that have been undertaken to ensure that the correct premises is identified and that potential harm to innocent third parties, the premises, and officers may be minimized; or
(iii) the present or imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to an individual inside, outside, or in near proximity to the premises.
(b) A peace officer shall serve a no-knock warrant during daytime hours unless a peace officer's affidavit states sufficient grounds to believe a search is necessary during nighttime hours.
(5) An officer shall wear readily identifiable markings when serving a no-knock warrant, including a badge and vest or clothing with a distinguishing label or other writing that shows that the individual is a peace officer.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a peace officer may not request a no-knock warrant if the warrant is solely for a misdemeanor investigation.
Amended by Chapter 133, 2024 General Session
Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title77/Chapter7/77-7-S8.1.html?v=C77-7-S8.1_2024050120240501Fetched: 10/26/2026