Los Angeles, California
Charges for Starting a Fire
Penal Code 451 and 452 PC
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It is a crime to set fire to any building, forest land, or property, whether willfully and maliciously (this is the crime commonly known as “arson”) or recklessly.
You can even be charged with arson in California for setting fire to your own property if the property is a building or other real estate, or if you set fire to your personal property for a fraudulent purpose (to commit insurance fraud in California, for example):
The fire causes damage to another person or to someone else’s home, property, or land.
Penalties
The punishment for arson charges in California depends on the type of property that was burned, whether anyone was injured, and whether the fire was set intentionally or merely “recklessly.”
For example, under Penal Code 452 PC, so-called “reckless burning” of personal property is a misdemeanor under California law.
Willful and malicious arson is always a felony under California law, according to Penal Code 451 PC. And if you commit premeditated arson and someone is accidentally killed in the process, you could even be charged under California Penal Code 187 for murder under California’s “felony murder rule.”
Legal Defenses
Because both reckless and intentional acts can result in serious arson charges, it is important to consult with an attorney from Progresso Legal Group P.C. immediately after an accusation.
They know the most effective ways to have arson charges reduced or even dismissed.
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