{"id":374070,"date":"2018-02-22T11:05:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T16:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-arson-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-02-22T11:08:12","modified_gmt":"2018-02-22T16:08:12","slug":"michigan-arson-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-arson-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Arson Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Arson Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\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

Every state has laws making arson<\/a> a crime, and usually it’s a serious one. Michigan separates its arson laws into various degrees, and has another statute addressing arson of insured property. For the most part, arson is also taken seriously in Michigan, as only one type of arson (fifth degree arson) is not classified as a felony<\/a>. The common theme in all of Michigan’s arson statutes is that they require the offender to burn the various property "willfully or maliciously." The only exception is fourth degree arson which applies where one "willfully or negligently" sets fire to the grounds of another person, or allows a fire to spread to another person’s property causing damage.<\/p>\n

Michigan Arson Laws Overview<\/h2>\n

Below you’ll find key provisions of arson laws in Michigan.<\/p>\n\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\n

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.71<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Prohibited Behavior<\/b><\/td>\n

First degree arson<\/i> (Section 750.72<\/a>): willfully or maliciously burning:<\/p>\n

Charges<\/b><\/td>\nFifth degree arson is a misdemeanor and the other types of arson are felonies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Penalties<\/b><\/td>\n

First degree arson<\/i> is punishable by up to and including life imprisonment and\/or a fine of up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property (whichever is greater).<\/p>\n

Second degree arson<\/i> is punishable by not more than 20 years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property whichever is greater).<\/p>\n

Third degree arson<\/i> is punishable by not more than 10 years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property (whichever is greater).<\/p>\n

Fourth degree arson<\/i> is punishable by not more than 5 years in prison and\/or a fine of up to $10,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property (whichever is greater).<\/p>\n

The prison term for arson of insured property<\/i> will depend on the character and value of the property that is damage. The offender can also be fined up to $20,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property (whichever is greater).<\/p>\n

Fifth degree arson<\/i> is punishable by not more than 1 year in prison and\/or a fine of up to $2,000 or 3 times the value of the damaged property (whichever is greater).<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 750.78<\/a> and 750.79<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Michigan Arson Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\n

If you’d like more information about laws related to this topic, you can click on the links below:<\/p>\n