{"id":371922,"date":"2018-09-19T07:15:49","date_gmt":"2018-09-19T12:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-arson-laws-and-punishments.html"},"modified":"2018-09-19T11:56:55","modified_gmt":"2018-09-19T16:56:55","slug":"colorado-arson-laws-and-punishments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-arson-laws-and-punishments.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Arson Laws and Punishments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Arson Laws and Punishments<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

All fires have the potential to cause major destruction, but not all fires are the result of criminal action. Some can be caused unintentionally, like when someone accidentally leaves the stove on or when construction workers use propane torches for roof repairs<\/a> and fail to control the resulting sparks.<\/p>\r\n

However, when a person intentionally<\/i> sets a fire, they can be charged with arson<\/a> crimes. Although state laws have various arson definitions, the crime is always taken very seriously. The state of Colorado is no different. If you’re charged with arson in the state, you must contend with Colorado’s arson punishments, which are severe.<\/p>\r\n

Degrees of Arson in Colorado<\/h2>\r\n

Colorado recognizes four degrees of arson. Arson in the fourth degree is classified as the least serious offense; arson in the first degree is the most serious offense. As expected, first degree arson carries the highest punishments (incarceration for up to 12 years) and fourth degree arson carries the least strict penalties (a maximum sentence of six years in prison).<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Colorado Arson Laws and Punishments<\/h2>\r\n

Consulting with an attorney is the preferred path to take for an accurate understanding of how a statute applies to you. However, before reaching that point, you can read a concise guide to the law written in everyday language. See the chart below for an easy-to-follow overview of Colorado’s arson laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Colorado Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Fourth Degree Arson; Third Degree Arson<\/b><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Fourth Degree Arson:<\/i><\/b> An individual knowingly or recklessly starts\/maintains a fire or causes an explosion on their own property or another person’s property. This act must place someone in danger of death or serious bodily injury or must place another person’s building or occupied structure in danger of damage.<\/p>\r\n

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  • Endangered Person<\/i>: Class 4 felony, punishable by incarceration, ranging from 2-6 years.<\/li>\r\n
  • Endangered Property ($100 or more)<\/i>: Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.<\/li>\r\n
  • Endangered Property (less than $100)<\/i>: Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 months in jail.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Note<\/i>: It is not considered fourth degree arson if a person starts and maintains a fire as a controlled agricultural burn in a reasonably cautious manner<\/i>; and no person suffers bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death as a result of the fire.<\/p>\r\n

    Third degree arson:<\/b><\/i> An individual intentionally damages any property with the intent to defraud. This is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2-6 years in prison.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Second Degree Arson<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

An individual knowingly damages or destroys another’s property other than a building or occupied structure<\/b> in the following ways:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Sets fire to,<\/li>\r\n
  • Burns,<\/li>\r\n
  • Causes to be burned, or<\/li>\r\n
  • By using explosives.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 4-12 years in prison.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

First Degree Arson<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

An individual knowingly damages or destroys another’s property that is any building or occupied structure<\/b> in the following ways:<\/p>\r\n