Arson
Willfully or maliciously damaging and destroying someone else’s property is a crime Michigan handles very seriously. When you have been charged with arson, you could be facing felony charges if the cost of damages exceeds $1,000. The consequences of a felony can have devastating effects on your life. Even if you never admit what your intention was for committing arson or property damage, the prosecution can convict you if it is discovered that you intended to burn or destroy the property.
Arson is the deliberate act of setting fire to property. There are varying degrees of arson, including:
- First Degree — Under Section 750.72, you may be charged with the felony offense of first degree arson when you maliciously and willfully burn or use an explosive device in a multi-unit building such as an apartment building or office building, any building or structure if it results in injury to a person, or a mine. Michigan statutes allow you to be sentenced to up to life in prison. A judge will make the final decision about your sentence.
- Second Degree — Under Section 750.73 of the Michigan Penal Code, you may be indicted with the felony offense of second degree arson when you maliciously and willfully burn any dwelling. You may be sentenced to years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
- Third Degree — Under Section 750.74 of the Michigan Penal Code, you could be facing third degree arson charges, a felony offense, when you intentionally burn any building or structure, any personal property valued at $20,000 or more, or have one or more prior convictions for burning personal property valued at $1,000 or more. The potential consequences for third degree arson may include years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
- Fourth Degree — Under Section 750.75 of the Michigan Penal Code, you may be charged with fourth degree arson for intentionally destroying property valued at $1,000 to $20,000. If you have one or more prior convictions for arson involving personal property valued at $200 or more, this is also considered a fourth degree arson charge. The possible penalties for fourth degree arson include the possibility of spending years in prison and paying thousands of dollars in fines.
