This law is about setting fire to or blowing up buildings. A person breaks this law if they start a fire or explosion that damages a building while someone is nearby, putting that person in danger of getting seriously hurt or killed. A person also breaks this law if they start a fire or explosion to try to make methamphetamine. This is usually a serious class B felony, but if someone gets seriously hurt or dies because of the fire or explosion, it becomes an even more serious class A felony.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
569.040. in the first degree — . — 1. A person commits the of arson in the first degree if he or she:
(1) a building or , and when any person is then present or in near proximity , by starting a fire or causing an explosion and thereby places such person in danger of death or ; or
(2) By starting a fire or explosion, damages a building or inhabitable structure in an attempt to produce methamphetamine.
2. The offense of arson in the first degree is a unless a person has suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the fire or explosion set by the person or as a result of a fire or explosion started in an attempt by the person to produce methamphetamine, in which case arson in the first degree is a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1977 S.B. 60, A.L. 1987 H.B. 57, A.L. 2005 H.B. 353, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17
Related Missouri laws
Arson in the second degree
RSMo 569.050
Arson in the third degree
RSMo 569.053
Knowingly burning or exploding
RSMo 569.055
Reckless burning or exploding
RSMo 569.060
Negligent burning or exploding
RSMo 569.065
Chapter definitions
RSMo 569.010
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.