THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931
750.75 Fourth degree arson.
Sec. 75. (1) Except as provided in sections 72, 73, and 74, a person who does any of the following is guilty of fourth degree arson: (a) Willfully and maliciously burns, damages, or destroys by fire or explosive any of the following or its contents: (i) Any personal property having a value of $1,000.00 or more, but less than $20,000.00. (ii) Any personal property having a value of $200.00 or more if the person has 1 or more prior convictions. (b) Willfully or negligently sets fire to a woods, prairie, or grounds of another person or permits fire to pass from his or her own woods, prairie, or grounds to another person's property causing damage or destruction to that other property. (2) Subsection (1)(a) applies regardless of whether the person owns the personal property. (3) Fourth degree arson is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or 3 times the value of the property damaged or destroyed, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Decoding Fourth Degree Arson: Simplifying Section 750.75 of the Michigan Penal Code
What is Fourth Degree Arson?
Fourth degree arson, as defined by Section 750.75, happens when someone purposely and destructively sets fire to or damages:
- Any personal property worth between $1,000 and $20,000, or
- Any personal property worth $200 or more if the person has one or more previous convictions.
Additionally, fourth degree arson applies to people who:
- Deliberately or carelessly start a fire in a forest, prairie, or the grounds of another person, or
- Allow a fire to spread from their own land to another person's property, causing damage or destruction.
This law applies except in circumstances covered by Sections 72, 73, and 74, and even if the person causing the fire or explosion owns the damaged property.
What are the Consequences of Fourth Degree Arson?
Fourth degree arson is classified as a felony, which is a serious crime. If you're found guilty of this crime, the law specifies severe punishments:
- You could face a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
- You could be fined up to $10,000, or three times the value of the property you damaged or destroyed - whichever is greater.
- In some cases, you might have to face both the imprisonment and the fine.
Why is Understanding Fourth Degree Arson Important?
Understanding fourth degree arson helps us to recognize the serious nature of these crimes and the severe consequences of intentionally or carelessly causing damage or destruction with fire or explosives. It emphasizes our responsibility towards the safe and respectful use of property, fire, and explosives, promoting a safer community for all of us.