ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What qualifies as First Degree Arson?

1. Damage to a building without anyone present

2. Damage to a building by fire or explosion with a person present

3. Damaging any property for personal gain

4. Using accelerants to start a fire

The correct answer is: Damage to a building by fire or explosion with a person present

First Degree Arson specifically involves the intent to cause property damage by fire or explosion while there is a person present, which is a key element that elevates the crime to first degree. This qualification emphasizes the risk to human life, as the presence of a person significantly increases the severity of the offense due to the potential for injury or loss of life. In considering other options: damaging a building without human presence, for instance, would not meet the criteria for first degree since it lacks the critical factor of endangering individuals. Similarly, although damaging property for personal gain may involve wrongful actions, it does not necessarily pertain to arson specifically. Lastly, while using accelerants can be an aggravating factor in arson cases, it alone does not define first degree arson without the significant presence of people in danger. Thus, the correct choice encapsulates the essential legal definition tied to first degree arson.