{"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First-Degree Arson<\/h3>\n

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

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

Second-Degree Arson<\/h3>\n

Second-degree arson is also known as aggravated arson<\/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

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