What degree of felony applies when an actor causes serious bodily injury to a disabled individual?

The correct choice for the degree of felony that applies when an actor causes serious bodily injury to a disabled individual is categorized as a first-degree felony. This particular classification reflects the severity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.

In legal terms, a first-degree felony is often associated with the most severe forms of criminal conduct, especially when the victim is a person who is particularly defenseless or vulnerable, such as a disabled individual. The law recognizes that crimes against such individuals not only inflict significant harm but also exploit their inability to defend themselves or seek help effectively.

The rationale for assigning a higher degree of felony, in this case, stems from both a societal standpoint where protecting vulnerable individuals is prioritized and a legal standpoint where the consequences of causing serious bodily harm are dealt with strictly. Therefore, offenses resulting in serious bodily injury to a disabled individual warrant a strong legal response, which justifies the designation as a first-degree felony.