Depending on the severity of the charges, someone convicted of arson can be imprisoned for anywhere from 3 years to life. The charges can escalate quickly against you or your loved one. The severity of the charges is determined by the magnitude of destruction of property or if someone was injured or killed in the process of the crime. If the arson is determined to be for the purposes of fraud, the charges can be changed to a murder committed in the process of another crime, making this a potential life imprisonment or death penalty case depending on the laws of your state. This is why it is imperative to to hire an attorney immediately if arrested for this serious crime.

To cause the burning of a dwelling or property, either for malicious purposes or to perpetrate insurance fraud. Arson is a common crime that is committed on average of every 45 minutes. Fires are usually set at night and around 80% of them are set by males. Of that number, approximately 50% are done by those under the age of 18, and 30% of those are done by males under the age of 15 according to an FBI press release. If your child is one of those convicted of this crime, it could adversely effect the rest of his life. Don't let things get out of hand. Seek help immediately and caution your child not to speak without the presence of his lawyer.