What is the punishment for tampering with a consumer product if the actor causes serious bodily injury?

Tampering with a consumer product, particularly in cases where the act leads to serious bodily injury, is viewed very seriously under the law. The designation of this action as a 1st degree felony reflects the severe implications of such offenses, given the potential harm they can inflict on the public.

First degree felonies are reserved for the most serious crimes, where the intent to do harm and the consequences of such actions are significantly heightened. The law recognizes that when an individual intentionally alters a product in a way that can cause serious bodily injury, it not only jeopardizes individual safety but also undermines public trust in consumer goods. Consequently, the legal system imposes harsh penalties to deter such dangerous behaviors, which is why the answer is classified as a 1st degree felony.

In contrast, less severe consequences, like those associated with a state jail felony or a Class A misdemeanor, would not adequately convey the severity of the act or its potential to cause extensive harm. Thus, the classification as a 1st degree felony underscores the gravity of tampering that results in serious injury, ensuring that penalties align with the nature of the crime.