28-502. Arson, first degree; penalty.
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/ne/chapter-28/28-502A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
(1)A person commits arson in the first degree if he or she intentionally damages a building or property contained within a building by starting a fire or causing an explosion when another person is present in the building at the time and either
(a)the actor knows that fact, or
(b)the circumstances are such as to render the presence of a person therein a reasonable probability.
(2)A person commits arson in the first degree if a fire is started or an explosion is caused in the perpetration of any robbery, burglary, or felony criminal mischief when another person is present in the building at the time and either
(a)the actor knows that fact, or
(b)the circumstances are such as to render the presence of a person therein a reasonable probability.
(3)Arson in the first degree is a Class II felony.
The crime of arson in the first degree requires that some damage occur to a building as a result of a fire ignited when someone is present in the building. Ignition of the building is not required. State v. Hohnstein, 213 Neb. 296, 328 N.W.2d 777 (1983).