Since today is Veteran’s Day, we thought it might be appropriate to address the false representation of military award statute. It is against the law in Utah for a person to misrepresent their right to wear certain military awards, insignia, etc.

Photo: David C. Foster

First, a military organization is a public or private society, order or organization made up of current or former military members and/or their relatives. Second, a military medal or service medal consists of the following:

• A congressional medal of honor;
• A distinguished service cross;
• A Navy or Air Force cross;
• A silver or bronze star;
• A purple heart;
• A Utah National Guard medal or ribbon;
• Any decoration, medal or badge awarded to members of the United States armed forces.

If a person purposefully lies about being awarded a service medal, whether verbally or in writing, they are guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

A person is guilty of a class C misdemeanor if he wears or uses a military organization-related medal that: 1) he is not entitled to wear and 2) he intends to defraud or falsely represent that he was awarded the medal.

If an individual uses the name, officer title, insignia, ritual or ceremony of a military organization that he is not entitled to use and does so with the intent to defraud or lie about being a member of the organization, he will be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

Committing false representation of military award takes away the importance of the person who actually earned the award. If you need to improve the way you appear to others, don’t do so by pretending to be something you’re not.

However, people make mistakes and sometime cross the legal line. If you need help, call a Utah criminal defense attorney who will understand where you’re coming from and be your advocate at a much-needed time.