FAQ – Arson & Aggravated Arson in Columbus & Central Ohio

Q: What is the Difference Between Arson and Aggravated Arson?

A: Both offenses involve the use of fire or explosion.

• If fire or explosion is used to cause harm to property or an unoccupied structure, the offense is Arson. Some Arson offenses are categorized as felonies, and some are categorized as misdemeanors.
• If fire or explosion is used to cause harm to a person or an occupied structure, the offense is Aggravated Arson. All Aggravated Arson offenses are categorized as felonies.

Q: What are the Different Types of Arson?

A: There are currently nine different types of Arson in Ohio. Each is committed by means of fire or explosion, but each has slightly different elements which must be proven.

1. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to the property of another person, without that other person’s consent, the offense of Arson is a first-degree misdemeanor. However, if the property damage exceeds $1,000, this form of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
2. If cause fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to the property of another person, with the purpose to defraud, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
3. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to the statehouse, a courthouse, a school, or some other building used for public purposes and owned by a state or local government, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
4. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to the property of another person, through an agreement for hire, with purpose to defraud, the offense of Arson is a third-degree felony.
5. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to a woods, green lands, timber land, wild lands, a park, a preserve, or similar property of another person or government, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
6. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to a woods, green lands, timber land, wild lands, a park, a preserve, or similar property of another person or government, with purpose to defraud, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
7. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to a structure of another person which is not an occupied structure, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.
8. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to a structure of another person which is not an occupied structure, through an agreement for hire, the offense of Arson is a third-degree felony.
9. If fire or explosion causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to an unoccupied structure that is in a woods, green lands, timber land, wild lands, a park, a preserve, or similar property of another person or government, the offense of Arson is a fourth-degree felony.

Q: What are the Different Types of Aggravated Arson?

A: There are currently three different types of Aggravated Arson in Ohio. Each is committed by means of fire or explosion, but each has slightly different elements which must be proven.

1. If a person causes serious physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of serious physical harm, to another person, the offense of Aggravated Arson is a first-degree felony.
2. If a person causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to an occupied structure, the offense of Aggravated Arson is a second-degree felony.
3. If a person causes physical harm, or creates a substantial risk of physical harm, to an occupied structure, through an agreement for hire, the offense of Aggravated Arson is a first-degree felony.

Q: Does Someone Convicted of Arson or Aggravated Arson Have to Register?

A: Yes. A conviction for either offense requires registering as an Arson Offender once per year for the rest of the person’s life.

Q: Who Investigates Arson Cases?

A: If arson is suspected, it may be investigated by various agencies. Arson investigators are employed by local fire departments, local police agencies, and state law enforcement agencies.

Attorneys for Arson Cases in Columbus and Central Ohio

The Dominy Law firm in Columbus, Ohio represents clients charged with Arson and Aggravated Arson in Franklin County, Delaware County, and other central Ohio counties. You can learn more about the Dominy Law Firm on the ‘About Us’ page. To see what clients say about our firm’s representation, please see the ‘Client Reviews’ page. If you were charged with Arson or Aggravated Arson and would like to discuss how our firm can help, call (614) 717-1177 or complete a CONTACT FORM to schedule a free phone consultation.