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Question: What happens if someone is convicted of arson?

Answer: Arson of a structure (a building, vehicle, watercraft or aircraft) is a class 4 felony.

A class 4 felony is punishable by probation or prison. If prison is imposed it can range from 1 year to 3.75 years, depending on the circumstances. If the person has been convicted of other felony offenses in the past, the prison time could be increased by several years.

Arson of an occupied structure (a structure where a human being is or is likely to be) is a class 2 felony. A class 2 felony is punishable by either probation or prison. If prison is imposed it can range from 3 years to 12.5 years, depending on circumstances. If the person has been convicted of other felony offenses in the past, the prison time could be increased by several years.

On top of that, a fine can be imposed for any felony offense for up to $150,000.


Comments
1 thru 5 of 5 comments
On 05/27/04
John from CA said:
Why is the law wrong? There is nothing wrong with the law if your friend knew that the person was going to burn something down he should have alerted the authorities it is not the laws but your friends fault. If your friend was completely unaware then he should not be in trouble.
On 02/26/04
Barb from PA said:
Mine and my mothers home was burnt to the ground by a person mad at my sister. there were three people home at 4:00am when the fire was set purposely, personally I think arsonists and the people who help them should get the death penalty!!!!!!!!!! If my mother wasn't handicapped,and sleeping downstairs they would all be dead. all because of an argue.
On 10/29/03
Chichinova from AK said:
I think this law is stupid because me friend is getting in trouble for this and he really wasn't involved in it he just had hung out with the person who did it before he did it
On 10/29/03
Kirsten from AL said:
How y'all doin? I don't know how much a person would be charged if they committed arson accidently and they killed someone?
On 07/10/03
Natalia from IL said:
I wonder how much you would be charged if you were a fireman being charged with arson charges of setting an unoccupied vehicle on fire...
1 thru 5 of 5 comments



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