In legal terms, arson is a crime that involves the setting or starting of a fire for various unlawful purposes or reasons. In most jurisdictions within the United States , arson is considered a felony. Various forms of punishment can result due to an arson crime. Less serious arson cases may result in a very minor punishment or sentence for the defendant while other arson cases may result in execution. It is important to note that arson is handled in various courts throughout the U.S. in many different ways.

Many states classify arson crimes into different categories or degrees. Numerous factors differentiate the categories or degrees. For obvious reasons, more serious categories or degrees of arson will result in a strict punishment for those convicted. For example, setting fire to a building in which is known to be occupied can result in a more severe degree of arson in most states. In return, the sentence will generally reflect the severity of the arson crime.

A person that commits arson that results in the death of one or more individuals may be charged and convicted of one or more counts of murder. This would typically be considered first degree murder. Some states have banned the death penalty; therefore punishment could likely be life in prison.

Various punishments will result from an arson conviction. Since arson is typically considered a felony in the United States , prison time must be served by the person that is convicted. The prison time will typically be served in either a federal or state prison for over one year. More serious arson cases will result in more than a year of prison time.

It is well known that vandalism often results in arson. Vandalism is commonly known as the intentional defacement or damage conducted by one or more persons to homes, buildings, and other properties. In most scenarios, juveniles and young adults are responsible for such crimes. Unfortunately, vandalism that causes or results in arson can often harm others.

Like most criminal cases, it is highly recommended that a person charged with arson hire an attorney. When hiring an attorney for an arson case, it is important that he or she has some experience in related cases. If the suspect cannot afford an attorney, the government will provide one at no cost. This right is provided to the suspect by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.