What is the difference between simple and aggravated arson?
Simple arson is the willful and malicious burning of a structure, forest, land or property. Aggravated arson is the willful, malicious, deliberate and premeditated burning of a structure, forest, land or property with the intent to injury one or more persons and causing damages greater than $5.65 million. A conviction for arson of a structure or forest land, charged under California Penal Code Section 451(c) is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, four or six years. A simple arson of property, that is not your own personal property, charged under California Penal Code Section 451(d) is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, two, or three years. Aggravated arson, charged under California Penal Code Section 451.5 shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison by 10 years to life.
