Michigan Arson Laws

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.71, et seq.

First degree arson (Section 750.72): willfully or maliciously burning:

• a multiunit building in which 1 or more units are a dwelling;
• any real property that results in physical injury to any person; or
• a mine.

Second degree arson (Section 750.73): willfully or maliciously burning a dwelling.*

Third degree arson (Section 750.74): willfully or maliciously burning:

• a building; or
• personal property valued at $20,000 or more ($1,000 or more if the offender has a prior conviction).

Fourth degree arson (Section 750.75): willfully or maliciously burning:

• personal property valued at $1,000 or more ($200 or more if the offender has a prior conviction); or
• willfully or negligently setting fire to the grounds of another person or allowing a fire set on his or her own grounds to pass to someone else's property causing damage to that property.

Arson of insured property (Section 750.76): willfully or maliciously burning real or personal property that's insured against loss from fire with the intent to defraud the insurer.

Fifth degree arson (Section 750.77): intentionally burning personal property valued at $1,000 or less if the person has a prior conviction.

*each statute builds off of each other; so, if the circumstances fit into more than one statute, it will be classified as the more serious crime.

First degree arson 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).

Second degree arson 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).

Third degree arson 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).

Fourth degree arson 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).

The prison term for arson of insured property 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).

Fifth degree arson 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).

Related Statute(s)