Arson Charges in South Carolina

Arson is common term that many people use. Many people use it simply describe illegally setting fires. However, there is more to this particular crime than one might expect.  South Carolina criminal law explains Arson in South Carolina General Statute 16-11-110.

There are three levels of Arson in South Carolina. They are all felonies, and they all carry serious consequences.  In this blog, we will explore what Arson is, the differences between the different levels of arson charges, and how this particular crime is punished.  This is meant to be a basic overview – a South Carolina criminal defense attorney would be able to provide you with more detailed information.

Arson in South Carolina

All levels or Arson in South Carolina requires that the defendant:

• Willfully and maliciously causes an explosion, sets fire to, burns, or causes to be burned or aids, counsels, or procures a burning that results in damage to a building, structure, or any property specified in State 16-11-110.
• For the purposes of arson charges, damage means an application of fire or explosive that results in burning, charring, blistering, scorching, smoking, singeing, discoloring, or changing the fiber or composition of a building, structure, or any property specified in the statute.

Arson in the first degree

• When the crime results either directly or indirectly in the death serious bodily injury to a person.

Punishment for arson in the first degree – Not less than thirty years in prison

Arson in the second degree

• Burning of a dwelling house, church or place of worship, school, manufacturing plant or warehouse, a building where business is conducted, institutional facility, or any structure designed for human occupancy including local and municipal buildings, whether the property of the person or another.

Punishment for arson in the second degree – Not less than three and not more than twenty-five years in prison.

Arson in the third degree

• When the burning is of a railway car, a ship, a boat or other watercraft, an automobile or other motor vehicle, or personal property

Punishment for arson in the third degree – Up to fifteen years in prison

South Carolina criminal law can be very complicated if you are not trained in dealing with it.  South Carolina statutes and South Carolina sentencing can be confusing to man.  If you are in need of a York Criminal Defense lawyer, or a Lancaster Criminal defense lawyer contact Gilles Law.  We practice criminal defense in North Carolina and in South Carolina.  Contact us, for you criminal law needs.