Utah criminal charge
Arson in Utah
Arson is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102. Its classification is not fixed: Utah 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 Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102.
What is the penalty for arson in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Arson with intent to defraud insurer — The actor damages any property by fire or explosive with the intention of defrauding an insurer.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Arson with intent to defraud insurer — The actor damages any property by fire or explosive with the intention of defrauding an insurer.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Arson of property of another — damage under $500 — Damage to the property of another caused by the fire or explosion is less than $500 in value.) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Arson of property of another — damage under $500 — Damage to the property of another caused by the fire or explosion is less than $500 in value.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is arson classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arson with intent to defraud insurer | Second Degree Felony | The actor damages any property by fire or explosive with the intention of defrauding an insurer. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102(3)(a) |
| Arson of property of another — damage under $500 | Class B Misdemeanor | Damage to the property of another caused by the fire or explosion is less than $500 in value. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102(3)(e) |
Common questions about arson in Utah
Is arson a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: arson ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102.
Arson with intent to defraud insurer: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102(3)(a)) · Arson of property of another — damage under $500: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102(3)(e))
What are the penalties for arson in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers arson?
Arson is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-102 (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.