{"data":{"id":"us-me/17-a-m.r.s.-802","jurisdiction":"us-me","citation":"17-A M.R.S. §802","heading":"Arson","body":"1.   A person is guilty of arson if he starts, causes, or maintains a fire or explosion;\nA.  On the property of another with the intent to damage or destroy property thereon; or\nB.  On his own property or the property of another\n(1)  with the intent to enable any person to collect insurance proceeds for the loss caused by the fire or explosion; or\n(2)  which recklessly endangers any person or the property of another.\n2.   In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph B, the requirements of specificity in the charge and proof at the trial otherwise required by law do not include a requirement to allege or prove the ownership of the property. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, it is a defense that the actor reasonably believed he had the permission of the property owner to engage in the conduct alleged. In a prosecution under subsection 1, paragraph A, \"property of another\" has the same meaning as in section 352, subsection 4.\n3.   Arson is a Class A crime.","path":["TITLE 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE","PART 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES","CHAPTER 33: ARSON AND OTHER PROPERTY DESTRUCTION"],"source_url":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec802.html","current_through":"January 1, 2026","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-04T15:12:28Z","sha256":"98d5aa5073705389eb831eeefeabaac53553ab9f21a4e0cbdc9baa89dc23cc52","source_id":"us-me","stale":false,"prev":"us-me/17-a-m.r.s.-801","next":"us-me/17-a-m.r.s.-803"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}