What Are the Penalties for Arson in Michigan?

Arson is a serious criminal offense and can result in a plethora of legal penalties. If you are facing criminal charges in Michigan, it is crucial that you obtain knowledgeable representation. Reach out to an experienced Marquette property crimes lawyer today for more information and legal counsel.

What is Arson?

Arson is the criminal offense of deliberately setting fire to property with willful or malicious intent. The purpose of the act may be to destroy property, commit a crime, recover an insurance payout, etc. Michigan state law outlines the varying degrees of arson in the state’s Penal Code Section 750.72 through 750.75.

• Arson in the first degree: When a person willfully or maliciously burns, damages, or destroys by fire or explosive a building or structure in which one or more units are a dwelling, any building, structure, or property if the fire or explosion results in physical injury to any person, or a mine
• Arson in the second degree: When a person willfully or maliciously burns, damages, or destroys by fire or explosive a dwelling, regardless of whether it is occupied, unoccupied, or vacant
• Arson in the third degree: When a person willfully or maliciously burns, damages, or destroys by fire or explosive any building or structure, regardless of whether it is occupied, unoccupied, or vacant, any personal property having a value of $20,000 or more, or any personal property with a value of $1,000 or more if the person has prior convictions
• Arson in the fourth degree: When a person willfully or maliciously burns, damages, or destroys by fire or explosive any personal property with a value between $1,000 and $20,000, any personal property with a value over $200 if the person has prior convictions, or any woods, prairie, or grounds of another person

What Are the Penalties for Arson in MI?

The penalties for arson can be harsh to match the severity of the offense itself. Each degree of offense will result in a different penalty, but the standard sentencing guidelines are as follows.

A conviction of arson in the first degree can result in imprisonment for life or any term of years in addition to fines up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever is greater.

Second-degree arson is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever is greater.

A third-degree arson conviction can result in a term of imprisonment for up to 10 years and up to $20,000 in fines or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever is greater.

Finally, a conviction of fourth-degree arson is punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years and fines of up to $10,000 or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever is greater.

If you are facing criminal charges for arson in Michigan, reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney for more information and skilled representation today.