{"id":374963,"date":"2018-02-20T19:08:45","date_gmt":"2018-02-21T00:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-arson-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-10T11:01:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T16:01:00","slug":"new-jersey-arson-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-arson-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Arson Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey 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

Arson in New Jersey<\/span> is the crime of intentionally or recklessly starting a fire or causing an explosion on your own property<\/span> or someone else’s property. New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> classifies arson into four degrees based on intent and harm caused, with penalties ranging from up to 18 months in prison for fourth-degree<\/span> arson<\/span> to 10-20 years for first-degree<\/span> arson<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Arson is a serious crime<\/span> in New Jersey<\/span>. Penalties include lengthy prison sentences<\/span><\/a> and hefty fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> defines arson<\/a> as starting a fire or explosion on your own property<\/span> or someone else’s. New Jersey<\/span>‘s arson statute breaks the criminal offense<\/span> into several degrees, each with a specific penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explain New Jersey<\/span> arson law<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses<\/a> to this crime. If you’re facing arson charges<\/span> or other criminal charges<\/span>, you should contact a New Jersey<\/span> criminal defense<\/span> lawyer<\/span><\/a> right away. They’ll review your case and help decide the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does New Jersey<\/span> Law<\/span> Define Arson?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> classifies arson into four degrees<\/a>, with first-degree<\/span> arson<\/span> being the most serious offense. The specific facts of your case will determine which degree of arson<\/span> the prosecutor will pursue. Generally, those cases involving bodily injury and significant property damage<\/span><\/a> carry the more severe penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will discuss the varying degrees of arson<\/span> in more detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-Degree<\/span> Arson<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most serious type of arson, and it usually involves arson for hire<\/span> or setting fire<\/span> to a house of worship<\/span>. A person is also guilty of this crime of the <\/span>first degree<\/span> if they set a dangerous fire<\/span> or cause an explosion with the purpose of causing significant harm and danger of death<\/span>. For example, if someone set fire<\/span> to a local synagogue or mosque, they would be charged with first-degree<\/span> arson<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The penalty for first-degree arson<\/span> is 10 to 20 years in state prison and fines of up to $200,000. Under New Jersey<\/span>‘s No Early Release Act<\/span><\/a>, anyone convicted of first-degree arson<\/span> must serve at least 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second-Degree<\/span> Arson<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Second-degree arson is also known as aggravated arson<\/span><\/a> and involves a person who sets fire to a structure or other property knowing it will cause a risk of serious bodily harm or death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also be guilty of second-degree<\/span> arson<\/span> in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n