Damage to a place of worship is a degree felony; what degree?

• A. First degree
• B. Second degree
• C. Fourth degree
• D. Third degree

Answer: (D)

In this jurisdiction, felonies are graded by degree, and the degree determines the penalties. The legislature has designated damage to a place of worship as a third-degree felony, placing it above the least serious property crimes but below the most serious felonies. This reflects the seriousness of vandalizing a religious or sacred space without elevating it to the top tier of offenses. Higher degrees would apply only if the statute or circumstances push the offense into more severe categories (for example, greater damage or additional aggravating factors), while lower degrees cover less serious property crimes. Since the statute assigns this offense to the third degree, that is the correct designation.