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5.3.4 Arson—Mississippi Code

Pursuant to Mississippi Code Ann. § 97-17-1, any person who willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned or who aids, counsels or procures the burning of any dwelling house, whether occupied, unoccupied or vacant, or any kitchen, shop, barn, stable or other outhouse that is parcel thereof, or belonging to or adjoining thereto, or any state-supported school building in this state whether the property of himself or of another, shall be guilty of arson in the first degree, and upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to the penitentiary for not less than five (5) nor more than twenty (20) years and shall pay restitution for any damage caused.
 
Any person convicted under this section shall be subject to treble damages for any damage caused by such person.
 
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 97-17-3, any person observing or witnessing the destruction by fire or any state supported school building, whether occupied or vacant, which fire was the result of his or her act of an accidental nature, and who willfully fails to sound the general alarm or report such fire to the local fire department or local authorities, shall be guilty of felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to the penitentiary for not less than two (2) or more than ten (10) years. 
 
Any person, who by reason of his age comes under the jurisdiction of the juvenile authorities and who is found guilty under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-17-3, shall not be eligible for probation unless and until six (6) months of confinement has been served in a state reform school.