Fourth Degree Arson (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(c)) is also known as Failure to Control or Report Dangerous Fire. The charge occurs when a person knows that a fire is endangering life or a substantial amount of property of another. Furthermore, one either fails to take reasonable measures to put it out or bring it under control. This is when they can do so without putting themselves in jeopardy, or fail to promptly report the fire. The law also creates two conditions, one of which must be … [Read more...]

When a fire is set or an explosion caused purposely, but with reckless intent, it will be prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(b), Arson, also known as Third Degree Arson. Intent is important in this charge, as evidence that there was purposeful or knowing effort to put others in danger or damage structures is prosecuted as the more serious Aggravated Arson Charges. It’s important that you work with an attorney who can build a strong case for reckless conduct, or even better, merely failing … [Read more...]

First Degree Arson, as defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(d) (also known as Arson for Hire) is the allegation that you gave or received, or offered to give or receive, some type of consideration, including money, for the purpose of starting a fire or causing an explosion. It is immaterial whether the payment or consideration was ever made; merely making the agreement is adequate to trigger charges. Note that both the person committing the act of arson and the person who hired them are equally … [Read more...]

Aggravated Arson (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1) is considered an extremely serious crime in New Jersey, because the allegation is that you intended to harm someone else, their property, or to profit from the damage or destruction of your own property while recklessly endangering others. Usually, Aggravated Arson is charged as a Second Degree Crime, which is comparable to a serious felony in other states. Prison sentences for Aggravated Arson are between five and 10 years, with fines running as high as … [Read more...]

Arson and Aggravated Arson are both covered under the same statute in New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1, with the major difference between the two charges being the element of recklessness versus the element of intent. In Arson prosecutions, a person is charged with recklessly endangering others or their property. Aggravated Arson is a much more serious charge, and alleges that you acted with purpose and knowledge. Aggravated Arson charges are described by the following provisions: A person … [Read more...]

In New Jersey, Arson (N.J.S.A 2C:17-1) is defined as intentionally starting a fire or explosion, which thereby recklessly places another person in danger of bodily injury or death; places a building or structure belonging to another in danger of damage or destruction; with the purpose of collecting insurance for the damage or destruction to the property; with the purpose of damaging or destroying a structure to exempt it from regulations of the State, county, or other authority; or recklessly … [Read more...]

Arson is charged along four degrees in New Jersey, depending on factors specific to each level. At the Fourth Degree level, you are being charged with the crime of failing to report a fire or failing to take reasonable steps to put out a fire, when people or property are at risk. The maximum penalty for Fourth Degree Arson is 18 months. This is the only level of Arson where you are not accused of setting a fire, but acting negligently or recklessly in response to it. As a Third Degree … [Read more...]