Photo: foreversouls

Arson in Utah is defined as using fire or explosives to damage property to defraud an insurer or damage someone else’s property.  This applies mostly to defendants who burn property other than residences or vehicles with people in them.  If the arson unintentionally injures a person, the defendant is liable for a harsher penalty.

Aggravated Arson in Utah is defined as using fire or explosives to damage someone’s house or apartment, or any structure or vehicle that contains a person.  This is a first degree felony.

U.C.A. 76-6-102: Arson
(1) A person is guilty of arson if under circumstances not amounting to aggravated arson, by means of fire or explosives, the person unlawfully and intentionally damages: (a) any property with intention of defrauding an insurer; or (b) the property of another.

U.C.A. 76-6-103: Aggravated arson
(1) A person is guilty of aggravated arson if by means of fire or explosives he intentionally and unlawfully damages: (a) a habitable structure; or (b) any structure or vehicle when any person not a participant in the offense is in the structure or vehicle.