Arson

Wisconsin, like most states, considers arson to be a profoundly serious criminal act and imposes stiff penalties on anyone convicted of the crime. This is especially true if someone is inadvertently killed or injured in the process.

Arson in Wisconsin is broken down into three separate charges. Setting fire to buildings, setting fire to one’s property with fraudulent intent, and setting fire to forest land or boat. Also, if a fire you start inadvertently or intentionally causes harm to another human being, it will typically result in additional charges.

The law is extremely strict when it comes to arson. To be a Class C felony, the building in question does not need to be totally destroyed, merely damaged. The arson may have merely been committed to defraud an insurer, not harm or kill anyone. Potential sentences are slightly lower in cases of arson to property other than a building. This is a Class I felony, punishable by up to 3½ years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.