Arkansas § 5-38-202 - Causing a catastrophe — Threatening to cause a catastrophe.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-38-202 — Causing a catastrophe — Threatening to cause a catastrophe., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-38-202. Causing a catastrophe — Threatening to cause a catastrophe.
A person commits the offense of causing a catastrophe if he or she knowingly causes a catastrophe by: Explosion; Fire; Flood; Avalanche; Collapse of building; Distribution of a poison, radioactive material, bacteria, or virus; or Another dangerous and difficult to confine force or substance. Causing a catastrophe is a Class Y felony. A person commits the offense of threatening to cause a catastrophe if he or she: Contacts any person, company, corporation, or governmental entity; and Threatens to cause a catastrophe by explosion, fire, flood, avalanche, collapse of building, release of a poison, radioactive material, bacteria, or virus, or another dangerous and difficult to confine force or substance, unless: Paid a sum of money or any type of property; or The person, company, corporation, or governmental entity performs a requested act. Threatening to cause a catastrophe is a Class D felony. In addition to any other restitution ordered under § 5-4-205, a court may order that a person who violates this section make restitution to the state or any political subdivision of the state for any cleanup costs associated with the commission of the offense.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 5-38-202
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-38-202 cover?
Section 5-38-202 ("Causing a catastrophe — Threatening to cause a catastrophe.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arkansas § 5-38-202?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 5-38-202" (Arkansas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 5-38-202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.