Maine statute
17-A M.R.S. § 802 — Arson
Current through First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025)
Part of Chapter 33: Arson and Other Property Destruction, Maine Revised Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of 17-A M.R.S. § 802
Statutory text current through the First Special Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature (current through October 1, 2025). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the Maine Revised Statutes from the Revisor of Statutes' official published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Maine and has not been certified by the Secretary of State.
1. A person is guilty of arson if he starts, causes, or maintains a fire or explosion;
A. On the property of another with the intent to damage or destroy property thereon; or
B. On his own property or the property of another
(1) with the intent to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused by the fire or explosion; or
(2) which recklessly endangers any person or the property of another.
2. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph B, the requirements of specificity in the charge and proof at the trial otherwise required by law do not include a requirement to allege or prove the ownership of the property. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, it is a defense that the actor reasonably believed he had the permission of the property owner to engage in the conduct alleged. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, "property of another" has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.
3. Arson is a Class A crime.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.