New Hampshire Revised Statutes 634:1 – Arson
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I. A person is guilty of arson if he knowingly starts a fire or causes an explosion which unlawfully damages the property of another.
II. Arson is a class A felony if the property damaged is:
For details, see N.H. Rev. Stat. 651:2
(a) An occupied structure and the actor knew it was an occupied structure; or
(b) An historic structure.
III. Arson is a class B felony if:
(a) The property is either that of another or the actor’s property, and the fire was started or the explosion caused for the purpose of collecting insurance on such property; or
(b) The actor purposely starts a fire or causes an explosion on anyone’s property and thereby recklessly places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury, or places an occupied structure of another in danger of damage; or
(c) The property damaged is real estate; or
(d) The pecuniary loss caused is in excess of $1,000.
IV. All other arson is a misdemeanor.
V. As used in this section:
(a) “Occupied structure” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 635:1, III, and includes structures appurtenant to occupied structures and seasonal dwellings whether vacant or occupied;
(b) “Property” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 637:2, I;
(c) “Property of another” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 637:2, IV.
(d) “Historic structure” means any structure listed, or determined by the department of natural and cultural resources to be eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under state or local law.
II. Arson is a class A felony if the property damaged is:
Attorney's Note
Under the New Hampshire Revised Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A felony | up to 15 years | up to $4,000 |
| Class B felony | up to 7 years | up to $4,000 |
Terms Used In New Hampshire Revised Statutes 634:1
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- person: may extend and be applied to bodies corporate and politic as well as to individuals. See New Hampshire Revised Statutes 21:9
- real estate: shall include lands, tenements, and hereditaments, and all rights thereto and interests therein. See New Hampshire Revised Statutes 21:21
- state: when applied to different parts of the United States, may extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories, so called; and the words "United States" shall include said district and territories. See New Hampshire Revised Statutes 21:4
(a) An occupied structure and the actor knew it was an occupied structure; or
(b) An historic structure.
III. Arson is a class B felony if:
(a) The property is either that of another or the actor’s property, and the fire was started or the explosion caused for the purpose of collecting insurance on such property; or
(b) The actor purposely starts a fire or causes an explosion on anyone’s property and thereby recklessly places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury, or places an occupied structure of another in danger of damage; or
(c) The property damaged is real estate; or
(d) The pecuniary loss caused is in excess of $1,000.
IV. All other arson is a misdemeanor.
V. As used in this section:
(a) “Occupied structure” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 635:1, III, and includes structures appurtenant to occupied structures and seasonal dwellings whether vacant or occupied;
(b) “Property” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 637:2, I;
(c) “Property of another” has the same meaning as in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 637:2, IV.
(d) “Historic structure” means any structure listed, or determined by the department of natural and cultural resources to be eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under state or local law.