Arson
Legal Definition
A person commits arson by willfully or maliciously starting a fire or causing an explosion with the purpose of destroying or damaging any building, occupied structure, or property of another, or any property, whether their own or another's, to collect insurance for such loss. The offense encompasses intentional burning or exploding of structures, vehicles, or other property with criminal intent.
Possible Punishment
Fourth Degree Felony arson carries a basic sentence of 18 months imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000. If the property is an occupied structure, the offense is a Third Degree Felony with a basic sentence of 3 years imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000. If the arson causes bodily injury to any person, it is a Second Degree Felony with a basic sentence of 9 years imprisonment and a fine up to $12,500. All felony convictions carry a mandatory period of parole after release.
Local Context
New Mexico's arson statute covers a range of conduct from burning unoccupied property to setting fire to occupied structures. The degree of the felony escalates based on whether the structure was occupied and whether anyone was injured. Related offenses include negligent arson (§ 30-17-6) and attempted arson.
Property-Crime Cases in Doña Ana County
Property charges in New Mexico scale with dollar value and circumstances. The same shoplifting conduct can be a petty misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of what was taken, and burglary escalates sharply when the structure is a home or someone is inside. That is why our charge database lists several versions of larceny and burglary with different classifications.
Property cases also drive a large share of repeat bookings: failure to appear on an older larceny case frequently brings someone back into the detention center on a bench warrant alongside any new charge.
Related Guides
Misdemeanor vs. Felony in New Mexico: Sentences, Courts, and Consequences
How New Mexico separates petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and felony degrees: sentence ranges, jail vs. prison, habitual enhancements, and collateral costs.
Bench Warrants and Failure to Appear in New Mexico: How a Missed Court Date Becomes a Booking
What a bench warrant is, how it differs from an arrest warrant, why FTA bookings fill the Doña Ana County jail log, and how to clear a warrant before arrest.
Recent Arrests for This Charge (3)
Las Cruces Woman, 58, Booked on Arson and Larceny Charges at Nmsu
ROBIN APPLETON | 5 charges
Chaparral Woman, 39, Booked on Burglary, Arson, and Stolen Property Charges
VICTORIA CABRALES | 14 charges
Las Cruces Man, 32, Booked on 13 Felonies, Including Arson, Burglary
OCHAN PARRA | 13 charges
Information provided for general reference. Statutory text is summarized and may not reflect the most recent amendments. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.