An individual is guilty of arson if he or she uses fire or explosives to intentionally cause unlawful damage to property. This is done under certain motivations, including committing insurance fraud or doing damage to another person’s property. Arson is classified by the following:
- Second Degree Felony – There was $5,000 or more in damages. It may also apply if, as a result of the fire or explosion, another person received serious injury.
- Third Degree Felony – There was between $1500 and $5000 in damages. It may also apply if another person received substantial bodily injury as a result of the arson or if the action endangered human life.
- Class A Misdemeanor – The damage caused is between $500 and $1500.
- Class B Misdemeanor – The damage caused resulted in less than $500 worth of damages.
This criminal offense can be escalated to Aggravated Arson (Utah Criminal Code 76-6-103) if the individual used fire or explosives on a habitable structure or vehicle. This is a first degree felony offense.