What degree of felony could David face for intentionally setting fire to a vacant building he owns that is insured?

David could face a second-degree felony for intentionally setting fire to a vacant building he owns that is insured. The laws regarding arson, particularly when it involves insured property, typically impose severe penalties since the act can be seen as an attempt to commit fraud against the insurance company or to benefit financially from the fire.

In most jurisdictions, including Texas, arson is classified as a serious crime. If the fire endangers human life or property, it escalates the situation further. However, the specific classification as a second-degree felony generally stems from the nature of the crime and the factors involved, such as the property being vacant and owned by the perpetrator.

Setting fire to one's own insured property can suggest malicious intent rather than mere negligence, which differentiates it from lesser degrees of felony. The consequences of such actions can include significant prison time and financial penalties, aligning with the seriousness of the crime as deemed by the legal system. Thus, a second-degree felony reflects the gravity of intentionally causing a fire intended to deceive through insurance claims.