{"id":372250,"date":"2018-08-16T17:37:08","date_gmt":"2018-08-16T22:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-arson-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-02T09:50:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T14:50:15","slug":"district-of-columbia-arson-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-arson-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Arson Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Arson Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

District of Columbia<\/span> arson laws criminalize the willful and malicious burning<\/span> of property with penalties including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Unlike most states, DC doesn’t use degree classifications. Instead, it maintains separate statutes for different types of arson, all treated as felony offenses.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Even though arson laws can vary from one jurisdiction to another, most states treat it as a serious crime. Lawmakers in the District of Columbia<\/span> are no different. In most arson cases<\/a>, the alleged offender faces felony charges that carry lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.<\/p>\n

Unlike most other jurisdictions, Washington, D.C<\/span>.\u00a0doesn\u2019t recognize\u00a0first-degree<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0second-degree<\/span>\u00a0arson. Instead,\u00a0D.C. law<\/span><\/a>\u00a0maintains separate statutes for arson in general and other related crimes, such as maliciously burning your\u00a0own property<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the arson laws in the District of Columbia<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses to this crime. We will also discuss how a person who commits arson in D.C. may face federal arson charges<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing arson charges in Washington, D.C<\/span>., contact a local criminal defense attorney<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ll review your case and help you craft a strong defense strategy based on your unique circumstances.<\/p>\n

How Does D.C. Law<\/span> Define Arson?<\/h2>\n

Under Washington, <\/span>D.C<\/span>. law<\/span>, arson involves the malicious burning<\/span> of property with the intent of causing damage to the property or injury to another person. This definition is similar to those in other states and jurisdictions.<\/p>\n

To secure a conviction of arson, the prosecutor must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt<\/a>. If the state does prove its case, the defendant will face serious criminal penalties.<\/p>\n

Elements of the Crime<\/h3>\n

In order for the state to convict someone of arson, it must prove each element of the criminal offense<\/span>. If they fail to prove any of the elements of the crime, the judge or jury should acquit the defendant.

Under D.C. Code<\/span><\/a>, the prosecution must prove:<\/p>\n