If you or someone you know has been arrested for arson in New Jersey, it is crucial that you understand your legal options and the potential penalties of a conviction. Work with a knowledgeable Bergen County criminal defense lawyer for skilled legal counsel during your case.
What is Arson?
Arson is the criminal offense of deliberately starting a fire or explosion. Arson generally involves buildings and structures, but can also include vehicles or land. New Jersey Statute § 2C:17 defines four different types of arson-related offenses. Consider the following.
- Arson: Purposefully starting a fire or causing an explosion, thereby recklessly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury, recklessly placing a building or structure of another in danger of damage or destruction, recklessly placing a forest in danger of damage or destruction, or with the purpose of collecting insurance
- Aggravated arson: Starting a fire or causing an explosion, thereby purposely or knowingly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury, or with the purpose of destroying a building or structure of another, collecting insurance, or destroying or damaging a forest
- Failure to control or report dangerous fire: Failing to take reasonable measures to put out or control a fire that is endangering life or a substantial amount of property when the individual can do so without substantial risk to themselves, or failure to give a prompt alarm to authorities
- Arson for hire: Directly or indirectly paying or accepting or offering to pay or accept any form of compensation exchanged for the purpose of starting a fire or causing an explosion
Participating in any of these actions can result in an arrest and criminal arson charges in the state of New Jersey.
What Are the Penalties for Arson Crimes in NJ?
If you have been arrested for arson or a related offense, one of the most important topics on your mind is likely the consequences you will incur if you are convicted. Learning about these penalties is crucial so you can better understand your legal rights and options and prepare for your case.
Below are the standard sentencing guidelines for each type of arson offense.
Arson:
- Third-degree indictable crime
- Imprisonment of 3 to 5 years
- Fines of up to $15,000
Aggravated arson:
- Second-degree indictable crime
- Imprisonment of 5 to 10 years
- Fines of up to $150,000
Failure to control or report dangerous fire:
- Fourth-degree indictable crime
- Imprisonment of up to 18 months
- Fines of up to $10,000
Arson for hire:
- First-degree indictable crime
- Imprisonment of 10 to 20 years
- Fines of up to $200,000
These penalties are life-altering and can have drastic consequences on your everyday life, relationships, career opportunities, and more. Understanding how to best defend against your charges is imperative in protecting yourself and your future.
To learn more and obtain skilled legal representation, reach out to an experienced attorney at the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri today.