Arson is the intentional burning of property—such as a building, car, boat, crops, or trees—with criminal or fraudulent intent. The criminal intent or motive behind arson is often insurance fraud—such as when the owner of property intentionally burns it and then files an insurance claim without disclosing the owner intentionally started the fire.

Arson is a felony offense under most state laws, but there are often different degrees of severity, depending on factors such as whether the fire results in physical injury or death. Arson is also a crime under federal law, which makes it illegal to use fire or an explosive to damage or destroy property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce.

In Michigan, arson is considered a serious felony offense, with the law recognizing several degrees of severity based on the circumstances of the crime. The Michigan Penal Code categorizes arson based on the type of property burned and the outcomes of the act. For instance, arson of a dwelling or arson that results in bodily injury or death carries more severe penalties than arson of personal property. The intent behind the arson, such as insurance fraud, is a critical factor in determining the charge and subsequent punishment. Insurance fraud involving arson is a specific criminal offense that can lead to additional charges beyond the arson itself. At the federal level, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects such commerce. This means that if the property burned has a connection to commercial activity across state lines or with other countries, federal charges could be brought in addition to state charges. Penalties for arson under both state and federal law can include imprisonment, fines, and restitution.