Utah Teen a Suspect in Group Home Fire

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A 17-year-old Utah teen is a suspect in a fire that started in a state-run group home last week. The teen was treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to a local hospital.

Photo: Loco Steve

Fire Allegedly Started in Teen’s Bedroom

Investigators verified that the fire which caused more than $100,000 in damage was started in the Utah teen’s bedroom. It only took firefighters about 10 minutes to put out the fire, but not before the blaze reached the attic and damaged the roof.

Definition of Arson

Arson is a second degree felony under Utah law. If someone uses fire or explosives to unlawfully and intentionally damage someone else’s property, he will likely be charged with arson.

Definition of Aggravated Arson

Aggravated arson can be charged when a person unlawfully and intentionally damages a habitable structure (such as a home) or any structure or vehicle when someone not involved in the arson is inside. Aggravated arson is a first degree felony.

As long as a Utah teen doesn’t have his case transferred to district court by a juvenile court judge, he will have his offense taken care of in juvenile court. In that case, it will be up to the judge to determine the facts of the case and make any decision regarding punishment.

Talk to a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

It’s vital that every person—whether a teen or adult—charged with a crime or offense have his own attorney who can advise him and handle his case both in and out of the courtroom. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because the offender is a kid he doesn’t need or deserve to have a Utah juvenile defense attorney on his side.

Help your child by talking to an attorney today. Good kids make bad decisions and don’t always need to be sent to detention. Let a Utah juvenile defense attorney give you and your child the legal support you both need.