Arson in the first degree

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  • (a) A person is guilty of arson in the first degree when, with intent to destroy or damage a building, or while in the commission of any felony, he starts a fire or causes an explosion, and:

    • (1) the building is inhabited or occupied, or the person has a reason to believe the building may be inhabited or occupied; or

    • (2) it is a structure where persons are normally present, such as: jails, prisons or detention centers; hospitals, nursing homes or other health care facilities; department stores, office buildings, business establishments, churches or educational institutions during normal hours of occupancy; or other similar structures; or

    • (3) any other person sustains serious physical injury as a result of the fire or explosion or the firefighting as a result thereof.

  • (b) A person guilty of arson in the first degree shall be imprisoned not more than twenty (20) years.

  • (c) If the offender is a juvenile, the sentence shall be not less than two years of community service, or incarceration in a juvenile detention center for such time as the sentencing authority shall deem appropriate if, in the opinion of such authority, a suitable juvenile detention center is available in the Virgin Islands.


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