California · Penal Code

PEN §451.5: (a) A person who willfully, maliciously, deliberately, with premeditation, and with intent to cause injury to one or more persons, or to cause damage to property under circumstances likely to produce

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Aggravated arson is intentionally burning property with intent to injure persons or damage structures, where the defendant has prior arson convictions within 10 years or the fire destroyed five or more inhabited dwellings. Punishment is 10 years to life imprisonment with 10-year minimum parole eligibility.

Read the full statutory text

(a) A person who willfully, maliciously, deliberately, with premeditation, and with intent to cause injury to one or more persons, or to cause damage to property under circumstances likely to produce injury to one or more persons, or to cause damage to one or more structures or inhabited dwellings, sets fire to, burns, or causes to be burned, or aids, counsels, or procures the burning of any residence, structure, forest land, or property, is guilty of aggravated arson if either of the following aggravating factors exists: (1) The defendant has been previously convicted of arson on one or more occasions within the past 10 years. (2) The fire caused damage to, or the destruction of, five or more inhabited dwellings. (b) A person who is convicted under subdivision (a) shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for 10 years to life. (c) A person who is sentenced under subdivision (b) shall not be eligible for release on parole until 10 calendar years have elapsed. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2029.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.