State Statutes Concerning Arson

New Jersey State Statutes Concerning Arson and Like Crimes N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1

Aggravated Arson (2nd degree crime) 2C:17-1(a)

A person is guilty ... if he starts a fire or causes an explosion, whether on his own property or another’s:

1. Thereby purposely or knowingly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury; or
2. With the purpose of destroying a building or structure of another; or Arson (3rd degree crime) 2C:17- 1(b)

A person is guilty ... if he purposely starts a fire or causes an explosion, whether on his own property or another’s:

1. Thereby recklessly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury; or
2. Thereby recklessly placing a building or structure of another in danger of damage or destruction; or

In order to elevate the above crimes to a crime of the 1st degree: 2C:17:1(d)

Any person who, directly or indirectly, pays or accepts or offers to pay or accept any form of consideration, including, but not limited to, money or any other pecuniary benefit, regardless of whether any consideration is actually exchanged for the purpose of starting a fire or causing an explosion in violation of this section commits a crime of the 1st degree.