Is Arson a Felony or Misdemeanor?

In the past, arson was labeled a crime to prevent burning another person’s home or dwelling while they were still inside.

In modern times, this definition extends to any type of property including land and boats. Whether or not said property is occupied at the time of burning is not considered. Any willful burning of property is regarded as arson. This includes burning property for fraudulent reasons – such as collecting insurance money.

Arson laws exist in every state but may be categorized differently and punished at varying severities. It is also typically classified as a felony because of its potential to cause serious injury or death. However, many states recognize varying degrees of arson, and less serious cases may result in minor punishments. Mild instances of arson may also simply be considered a misdemeanor.

How to Determine if Your Arson Charge is a Felony or a Misdemeanor

Arson can be prosecuted both as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the severity of the charge and which state in the U.S. it occurred in.

Arson as a Felony

First-degree arson is considered a felony in Missouri. It is the severest form of arson and involves:

Knowingly causing damage by setting a fire or causing an explosion to an inhabited property or a structure with anyone in close proximity.
Starting a fire or explosion in an inhabitable building while trying to produce methamphetamine.

Arson is usually deemed a class B felony unless it results in serious physical injury or death of the victim(s). If this occurs, it is classified as a class A felony.

Arson as a Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor arson is the lowest level of arson charges and involves carelessly causing a fire that results in minimal damage.

Only very few states have this version of arson. In Missouri, minor instances of what is considered arson in other states are recognized as “burning and exploding” offenses. This form of arson comprises:

Willfully burning or exploding anything that causes damage to someone else’s property.
Recklessly starting a fire that leads to burning or exploding of another’s property.
Negligent burning or exploding that results in property damage – either by starting a fire or allowing fire in your control to spread to another’s property.

Have You Been Charged with Arson? Contact Us Right Away

If you have been charged with arson or any other property crimes, contact The Law Office of Michael Taylor right away. Depending on the severity of your charge, you may be facing grave penalties with lasting impacts on your life and your loved ones.

I am ready to put my decades of experience in criminal prosecution at your disposal and obtain a favorable outcome for you. With a proven track record of successful resolutions, I am one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Kansas City. I pledge to fight for you through every step of the legal process.

Schedule a free consultation online or call us at (816) 287-2456 today!