Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 81: Arson within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Willfully and maliciously setting fire to or burning property within U.S. maritime jurisdiction is a federal crime punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment, or life imprisonment if a dwelling or human life is endangered.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns any building, structure or vessel, any machinery or building materials or supplies, military or naval stores, munitions of war, or any structural aids or appliances for navigation or shipping, or attempts or conspires to do such an act, shall be imprisoned for not more than 25 years, fined the greater of the fine under this title or the cost of repairing or replacing any property that is damaged or destroyed, or both. If the building be a dwelling or if the life of any person be placed in jeopardy, he shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both.

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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.