Potential Arson Charges for Teens Involved in Vacant Building Fire

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possible arson for teens in vacant building
Photo: Emilio Kuffer/Wikimedia Commons

Four teenagers may be charged with arson after the Jan. 26 fire at a vacant apartment complex in Salt Lake City. The building, which was already scheduled for demolition, was ruled a total loss.

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According to a report from KSL News, on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 26, witnesses reported hearing a commotion inside the vacant, city-owned apartment complex located near State Street and 3300 South. Three boys and a girl were reportedly seen fleeing the building just before the fire started at approximately 4 p.m.

According to South Salt Lake Police Chief Jack Carruth, when fire crews arrived at the scene, the apartment building—one of three two-story apartment buildings with eight units each—was completely engulfed in flames.

“We’re fortunate it wasn’t occupied at the time of the fire,” Carruth told KSL.

Carruth said that two firefighters received minor injuries while fighting the fire but were expected to recover. The four teenagers were located following tips from witnesses, and even though the witnesses placed the ages of the teens between 17 and 19 years old, all four were 14 years old. The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office is currently screening the case to decide on potential arson charges.

Arson Charges Depend on Damage, Injury, Previous Convictions

According to Utah Criminal Code 76-6-102, arson occurs when a person “by means of fire or explosives unlawfully and intentionally damages any property with intention of defrauding an insurer, or the property of another.” Arson ranges from a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if committed by an adult, to a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The determination in the case of arson results from the extent of the damage, whether anyone was injured as a result of the fire, and if the suspect has any previous convictions. For example, the class B misdemeanor charge would result from damage less than $500 with no injuries or previous convictions, while the second degree felony would result from either damage over $5,000, the fire causing serious bodily injury to another, or if the damage is between $1,500 and $5,000 but the suspect has had another conviction.

If committed by an adult, this case would most likely be considered a second degree felony, even though the building was already scheduled for demolition. While a juvenile can be tried as an adult if they commit a crime which would be considered a felony, the juvenile has to be over 16 years old. However, this is still a very serious charge for a juvenile. If your child has been charged with arson, make sure to contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney.