Colorado criminal charge
First degree arson in Colorado
First degree arson is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-102. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-102.
What is the penalty for first degree arson in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 4 years to 12 years (First degree arson — occupied structure — Applies when the arson is committed against an occupied structure.) | presumptive | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Fine | $3,000 to $750,000 (First degree arson — occupied structure — Applies when the arson is committed against an occupied structure.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Parole / supervision | 3 years to 3 years (First degree arson — occupied structure — Applies when the arson is committed against an occupied structure.; mandatory parole) | mandatory | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 6 years (First degree arson — building — Applies when the arson is committed against a building (not an occupied structure).) | presumptive | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Fine | $2,000 to $500,000 (First degree arson — building — Applies when the arson is committed against a building (not an occupied structure).) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Parole / supervision | 3 years to 3 years (First degree arson — building — Applies when the arson is committed against a building (not an occupied structure).; mandatory parole) | mandatory | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2018-07-01.
How is first degree arson classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| First degree arson — occupied structure | Class 3 Felony | Applies when the arson is committed against an occupied structure. | 18-4-102(2) |
| First degree arson — building | Class 4 Felony | Applies when the arson is committed against a building (not an occupied structure). | 18-4-102(2) |
Common questions about first degree arson in Colorado
Is first degree arson a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: first degree arson ranges from a Class 4 Felony to a Class 3 Felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-4-102.
First degree arson — occupied structure: Class 3 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-4-102(2)) · First degree arson — building: Class 4 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-4-102(2))
What are the penalties for first degree arson in Colorado?
Penalties for first degree arson in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a Class 4 Felony up to a Class 3 Felony — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers first degree arson?
First degree arson is governed by C.R.S. § 18-4-102 (First degree arson).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.