What Are the Penalties for Arson in California?

Arson is a serious and extremely destructive crime, and the legal consequences associated with a conviction for this offense can be harsh. If you have been arrested on arson charges, understanding the potential penalties you may be vulnerable to is essential in protecting yourself and your future. Work with an experienced Red Bluff criminal lawyer for more information and legal representation today.

What is Arson?

Arson is generally defined as the deliberate act of setting fire to a property, structure, or land. The intent behind the act is important, as accidentally starting a fire is not considered arson. The perpetrator must act with willful and malicious intent.

Under California Penal Code 451, a person can be found guilty of arson when he or she “willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land, or property.” Similarly, California law recognizes the crime of unlawfully causing a fire, which occurs when a person recklessly sets fire to, burns, or causes to be burned any structure, forest land, or property.

What Are the Penalties for Arson in CA?

The penalties for arson can vary widely depending on various factors, including the severity of the offense, prior criminal convictions, damage caused, etc. Depending on the specific circumstances of the offense, the penalties for an arson conviction are as follows.

• Arson that causes great bodily injury: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for five, seven, or nine years
• Arson that causes an inhabited structure or inhabited property to burn: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for three, five, or eight years
• Arson of a structure or forest land: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for two, four, or six years
• Arson of property: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for 16 months, two, or three years

The penalties associated with unlawfully causing a fire include the following.

• Unlawfully causing a fire that causes great bodily injury: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for two, four, or six years, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year
• Unlawfully causing a fire that causes an inhabited structure or inhabited property to burn: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for two, three, or four years, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year
• Unlawfully causing a fire of a structure or forest land: Felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for 16 months, two or three years, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months
• Unlawfully causing a fire of property: Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year

In addition to prison time, individuals convicted of arson in California can incur other consequences like significant fines, restitution, probation, and more.

To learn more about this offense and secure skilled legal representation, reach out to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney today.