Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑112 – Arson in the Second Degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑112 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

Arson in the second degree happens when someone intentionally starts a fire or explosion aimed at destroying or damaging a building (as defined in § 53a‑100), and they also:

1. Create a substantial risk of serious injury to another person (it doesn’t matter if someone actually gets hurt); or
2. Set the fire or cause the explosion to hide another crime; or
3. Do it to deprive someone of a constitutional or legal right; or
4. Have someone else do it on their behalf (i.e., they hired another person to start it)

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class B felony.
• Sentence: Up to 20 years in prison and fines potentially reaching $15,000 (some sources note up to $15K).
• Even if nobody is injured, the risk alone makes it serious.

3. What the state has to prove to convict someone (Elements of the offense)

To convict on arson in the second degree, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, all of the following:

1. The defendant intentionally started a fire or caused an explosion with the goal of destroying or damaging a building;
2. That building qualifies under the legal definition in § 53a‑100; and
3. At least one of these was true:
   
   • Someone faced a significant risk of injury,
   • The act was meant to cover up another crime,
   • The act was meant to violate someone’s rights, or
   • The defendant hired someone else to carry out the fire or explosion.

For the actual statute, you can visit Justia which has the actual law on its website.

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