If you are facing criminal charges for arson in Pennsylvania, continue reading to discover the penalties associated with a conviction. Work with an experienced Montgomery County felony lawyer for skilled representation during your case.

What is Arson?

The definition of arson and its related offenses are outlined in the Pennsylvania Criminal Code § 3301. The crimes are as follows.

  • Arson endangering persons: Intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, or aiding, counseling, paying, or agreeing to pay another person to cause a fire or explosion which recklessly places another person in danger of death or bodily injury, or with the purpose of destroying or damaging an inhabited building or occupied structure
  • Aggravated arson: Intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, or aiding, counseling, paying, or agreeing to pay another person to cause a fire or explosion and attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person, or doing so when a person is present inside the property
  • Arson of historic resource: Intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, or aiding, counseling, paying, or agreeing to pay another person to cause a fire or explosion with the intent of destroying or damaging a historic resource of another
  • Arson endangering property: Intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, or aiding, counseling, paying, or agreeing to pay another person to cause a fire or explosion with the intent of destroying or damaging a building or unoccupied structure of another, recklessly placing an inhabited building of another in danger of damage or destruction, or with the intent to destroy or damage any property to collect insurance
  • Reckless burning or exploding: Intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, or aiding, counseling, paying, or agreeing to pay another person to cause a fire or explosion, thereby recklessly placing an uninhabited building of another in danger or damage or destruction, or placing any personal property of another with a value over $5,000 in danger of damage or destruction

Essentially, any crime involving the purposeful burning of property can be considered arson and penalized as such an offense.

What Are the Penalties for Arson in PA?

Arson is a serious and damaging crime, so the penalties associated with a conviction are harsh. Consider the following.

Arson endangering persons:

  • First-degree felony
  • Up to 20 years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 in fines

It is important to note that if the offense causes the death of any person, including a firefighter or police officer, it is considered second-degree murder. If the fire kills someone and was set with the intention of causing a person’s death, it is considered first-degree murder. Second-degree murder is punishable by life imprisonment, and first-degree murder is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Aggravated arson:

  • First-degree felony
  • Up to 20 years in prison
  • Up to $25,000 in fines

Arson of historic resource:

Second-degree felony
Up to 10 years in prison
Up to $25,000 in fines

Arson endangering property:

Second-degree felony
Up to 10 years in prison
Up to $25,000 in fines

Reckless burning or exploding:

Third-degree felony
Up to 7 years in prison
Up to $15,000 in fines

For more information and to obtain experienced representation, reach out to an attorney at Cohen & Patel today.