Arson

Arson is knowingly starting a fire or causing an explosion which unlawfully damages the property of another.

Arson is a Class “A” felony if the property damaged is an occupied building that the offender knew was occupied or a historic structure.

Arson is a Class “B” felony if the property is the offender’s or another’s known property, or if the fire was started with the intent of collecting insurance money. Other reasons for a Class “B” felony include:

1. Starting a fire which causes serious bodily injury.
2. A fire which places an adjacent occupied structure in danger of damage.
3. The property damaged is real estate.
4. Property damaged is worth an excess of $1000.

Any other instance of Arson is a misdemeanor, carrying different levels and severity depending on what was burned and the type of danger presented.