1. A person is guilty of arson if he starts, causes, or maintains a fire or explosion;
A. On the property of another with the intent to damage or destroy property thereon; or [PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
B. On his own property or the property of another

(1) with the intent to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused by the fire or explosion; or
(2) which recklessly endangers any person or the property of another. [PL 1983, c. 450, §4 (AMD).]

[PL 1983, c. 450, §4 (AMD).]

Attorney's Note

Under the Maine Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class A crimeup to 30 yearsup to $50,000
For details, see Me. Rev. Stat. Title 17-A § 1604
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Terms Used In Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A Sec. 802

  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
2. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph B, the requirements of specificity in the charge and proof at the trial otherwise required by law do not include a requirement to allege or prove the ownership of the property. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, it is a defense that the actor reasonably believed he had the permission of the property owner to engage in the conduct alleged. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, “property of another” has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.

[PL 1975, c. 740, §86 (AMD).]

3. Arson is a Class A crime.

[PL 1979, c. 322, §2 (AMD).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW). PL 1975, c. 740, §86 (AMD). PL 1979, c. 322, §2 (AMD). PL 1983, c. 450, §4 (AMD).