The Thief River Falls fire seems to have more twists and turns every time it makes headlines. Originally, the story was reported as an arson and a murder, but as more information is revealed, drug crimes and the loss of a young mother have been added to the story as well.
The murder within the arson is going to come with serious consequences if the alleged defendant is found guilty, but the penalties for arson may add decades onto the defendant’s sentence. He faces first degree arson — and even though this crime comes with a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, it’s not the only type of arson in Minnesota with such serious penalties.
Let’s go over the three different types of arson in Minnesota (arson, wildfire arson, and negligent fires) and what these charges mean for the defendants who are accused.While there are three broad categories of arson in Minnesota, within this first category are five different degrees of arson.
In order to be found guilty of general arson, prosecutors have to prove that the defendant intentionally set fire to property or a dwelling. A “dwelling” refers to a place where people live: a house, apartment building, etc.
Setting fire to a dwelling or a building with people inside may result in the most severe charges here — first degree arson. Penalties for this charge include up to 20 years in prison and up to $35,000 in fines.
Not all general arson charges are that serious, however. The severity of the arson charge depends on what type of building or property was affected by the arson, how serious the damage was, the cost of the damage, and how the fire was started.
Fifth degree arson (intentional burning of real or personal property), for example, is a misdemeanor rather than a felony. It comes with penalties including up to 90 days behind bars and up to $1,000 in fines.
Talk to a lawyer if you have been accused of arson about what degree of arson charges you may face.
Arson that affects individual homes or dwellings is typically fairly easily contained and put out. Wildfires, however, have the potential to cause far more damage — and to a much larger area.
Because of this, wildfire arson is automatically a felony in Minnesota. Penalties for this type of arson start at up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
In order to be found guilty of wildfire arson, prosecutors will have to prove that you intentionally set the fire.
Like general arson, the amount of damage caused by the wildfires will determine the severity of the consequences you face. Penalties get exceptionally serious if someone intentionally sets a wildfire that:
Causes damage to at least 100 buildings or dwellings
Burns 1,500 acres or more
Damages crops in excess of $250,000
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