Section 448 of the Penal Law provides: a person who intentionally sets fire to something not belonging to him is liable to up to 15 years of imprisonment.
What is the offense of arson?
Section 448 of the Penal Law provides: a person who intentionally sets fire to something not belonging to him is liable to up to 15 years of imprisonment. When the fire was set with the aim of harming state property, public infrastructure, or a natural resource, the penalty rises to up to 20 years of imprisonment. Arson is one of the most serious offenses in the chapter of offenses against property, because fire cannot be controlled: setting a vehicle on fire can end in damage to an entire building and danger to human life.
Arson as an accompanying offense
Arson often serves as a tool in the context of other offenses: threats and extortion ("protection"), revenge in disputes, destruction of evidence, and insurance fraud. Therefore, an indictment for arson almost always comes with additional charges, and in cases involving harm to people, also with homicide or bodily harm offenses. When the arson was committed against the background of a dispute with a person, the courts treat it as a violent message of the highest order and impose actual prison sentences.
The evidence in arson cases
Arson cases are built on the opinions of fire investigators: the seat of the fire, accelerator residues, laboratory samples, alongside security cameras, phone location data, and circumstantial evidence. These opinions can be challenged through experts on behalf of the defense: the question of the source of the fire (intentional arson or an electrical failure?) is at the heart of the case in many files. The question of the identity of the arsonist also, since in most cases there is no eyewitness, rests on circumstantial evidence that can be dismantled.
Legal representation in arson cases
Israel Arama, formerly of the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office, represents suspects and defendants in arson offenses, while working with fire investigation experts on behalf of the defense. Contact us for an initial consultation without obligation before giving a statement.
What is the offense of arson?
Section 448 of the Penal Law provides: a person who intentionally sets fire to something not belonging to him is liable to up to 15 years of imprisonment. When the fire was set with the aim of harming state property, public infrastructure, or a natural resource, the penalty rises to up to 20 years of imprisonment. Arson is one of the most serious offenses in the chapter of offenses against property, because fire cannot be controlled: setting a vehicle on fire can end in damage to an entire building and danger to human life.
Arson as an accompanying offense — what is important to know?
Arson often serves as a tool in the context of other offenses: threats and extortion ("protection"), revenge in disputes, destruction of evidence, and insurance fraud. Therefore, an indictment for arson almost always comes with additional charges, and in cases involving harm to people, also with homicide or bodily harm offenses. When the arson was committed against the background of a dispute with a person, the courts treat it as a violent message of the highest order and impose actual prison sentences.
The evidence in arson cases — what is important to know?
Arson cases are built on the opinions of fire investigators: the seat of the fire, accelerator residues, laboratory samples, alongside security cameras, phone location data, and circumstantial evidence. These opinions can be challenged through experts on behalf of the defense: the question of the source of the fire (intentional arson or an electrical failure? ) is at the heart of the case in many files. The question of the identity of the arsonist also, since in most cases there is no eyewitness, rests on circumstantial evidence that can be dismantled.
This information is for initial orientation about the service and contact process. It is not individual legal advice.
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