Missouri Arson Laws

Statutes

Missouri Revised Statutes:

• Section 569.040 (first degree arson)
• Section 569-050 (second degree arson)
• Section 569-053 (third degree arson)
• Section 569.055 (knowingly burning/exploding)
• Section 569.060 (reckless burning/exploding)
• Section 569-065 (negligent burning/exploding)

Arson Offenses

First degree arson:

• Knowingly damaging a building by starting a fire or causing an explosion when any person is present and putting them in danger of death or serious physical injury; or
• Damaging a building by starting a fire or explosion in attempt to produce methamphetamine.

Second degree arson: Knowingly damaging a building by starting a fire or causing an explosion.

It's Not Second degree arson if:

• No person other than the perpetrator has a possessory, proprietary or security interest in the building or the person with interests in the building has consented; and
• The actor's sole purpose to destroy/damage the property was a lawful one.

Third degree arson: Knowingly starting a fire or causing an explosion and recklessly damaging or destroying a building as a result.

Burning or Exploding Offenses

Knowingly burning or exploding: Knowingly damaging another's property by starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Reckless burning or exploding: Recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion and damaging/destroying another's property as a result.

Negligent burning or exploding: With criminal negligence, an individual damages another person's property/woodlands/croplands/prairie/marsh by:

• Starting a fire or causing an explosion; or
• Allowing a fire burning on lands in their possession/control onto the property of another.

Possible Penalties

First degree arson:

• Class B felony, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
• Class A felony, punishable by a life sentence if victim has suffered serious physical injury or death due to the fire/explosion related to methamphetamine production attempt.

Second degree arson:

• Class D felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
• Class B felony, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. If victim has suffered serious physical injury or death due to the fire/explosion.

Third degree arson: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000.

Knowingly burning/exploding: Class E felony, punishable by incarceration of up to 4 years.

Reckless burning/exploding: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,000.

Negligent burning/exploding: Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 15 days in jail, fines up to $750.