Examples Of Arson: An Index Crime

Arson: An Index Crime
An index crime is a crime that is included in the yearly crime statistics taken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arson is the act of intentionally setting fire to property. ("Arson - Google Search." Arson - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.) The eight index crimes are arson, forcible rape, motor vehicle theft, larceny, aggravated assault, willful homicide, robbery and burglary. Although, arson wasn’t officially an index crime until 1979. In many states arson is divided into three degrees, those degrees are first degree arson, second degree arson and third degree arson. ("Arson." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Sept. 2014. Web. 29 Sept. 2014.)
First degree arson is when the arsonist, person who commits the crime, sets fire to an occupied structure such as a school. it is the highest level of arson, also known as aggravated arson. The degree of arson is determined by how much damage the explosion or fire caused. The arsonist is usually charged with first degree arson depending on whether or not they intentionally harmed a person or people. ("First Degree Arson."
The third degree of arson is the lowest arson charge. In some states like Arizona and Washington there is a lower level of arson, which is also known as misdemeanor arson. One of the few steps that determine whether or not the defendant will be charged with third degree arson is that the prosecutor will generally focus on whether the crime was reckless conduct. If the arsonist is aware of what they are doing and choses to ignore it, they can be convicted of third degree arson even if they didn’t intentionally start the fire or explosion. In some states, the crime is based off of the property that was damaged rather than reckless conflict. Third degree arson may or may not be considered a crime of violence. In most cases, it can result in a non-violent classification. The consequence for this crime can range