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When someone you care about is arrested for arson in California, time is critical — and the stakes are high. Arson is a serious offense that can lead to severe felony charges, long prison sentences, and high bail amounts, especially if there’s significant property damage or injury involved. At Cali Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you take immediate action. Our experienced agents are available 24/7 to provide fast, affordable bail assistance in all 58 counties.
Serving All Counties In California
In California, arson is a serious criminal offense defined under the Penal Code as the unlawful and intentional (or reckless) act of setting fire to property, land, or structures. Depending on the circumstances, arson can be charged as either a felony or a “wobbler” offense (meaning it may be filed as a misdemeanor or felony). The law recognizes different types of arson based on intent, damage caused, and risk to others.
Penal Code § 451 – Arson (Felony)
This law applies when someone willfully and maliciously sets fire to a structure, forest land, or property. It’s always charged as a felony and includes enhanced penalties if the fire causes injury or affects certain types of property.
Subsections of PC § 451:
Penal Code § 452 – Unlawfully Causing a Fire / Reckless Burning (Wobbler)
This law addresses situations where someone recklessly sets fire, but without intent to harm. This offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony based on the extent of the damage.
Subsections of PC § 452:
Penal Code § 455 – Attempted Arson
If someone attempts to commit arson but is unsuccessful, they can still be prosecuted under this statute. Attempted arson is a felony, punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison.
Penal Code § 453 – Possession of Flammable/Combustible Materials with Intent to Commit Arson
It is a felony to possess, manufacture, or transport any incendiary device (e.g., Molotov cocktails) with the intent to commit arson. Punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison.
At Cali Bail Bonds, we understand how devastating an arson arrest can be — and how urgent it is to secure release before trial. Whether it’s a reckless burning or a felony arson charge, our experienced team is available 24/7 to post bail, provide payment plans, and guide families through this complex legal situation with compassion and speed.
Arson charges in California can range from negligent, unintentional acts to highly dangerous and deliberate crimes. Depending on the details of the case—such as intent, level of damage, and risk to others—a person may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Here’s a full breakdown of the most common arson-related offenses under California law:
Malicious arson occurs when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to a property, structure, forest land, or vehicle. This means the person intended to cause destruction or harm by starting the fire. Because of the deliberate nature of this offense, PC § 451 is always charged as a felony, and penalties become more severe depending on the outcome of the fire.
Key Subsections of PC § 451:
Examples of Malicious Arson:
Not all arson cases involve criminal intent. In some situations, fires are started due to extreme negligence or reckless behavior—without the deliberate desire to cause harm. These cases fall under PC § 452, known as unlawfully causing a fire or reckless burning.
Key Subsections of PC § 452:
Examples of Reckless Burning:
While reckless burning may not involve criminal intent, the law still treats these actions seriously—especially when they result in significant destruction or injury.
Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties or a higher bail amount, even if the base charge remains the same. Judges and prosecutors take these aggravating factors seriously when determining whether to pursue felony charges and how to handle bail or sentencing.
Common Aggravating Factors Include:
At Cali Bail Bonds, we’re well-versed in the nuances of arson cases — from simple reckless burning to complex felony arson charges. No matter the charge, we work swiftly and discreetly to post bail and help your loved one return home while awaiting trial.
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The bail amount for an arson charge in California depends heavily on the type of offense, the extent of damage, and whether the fire was set intentionally or recklessly. Because arson is considered a dangerous crime that can endanger lives and destroy property, bail amounts tend to be high — especially when the alleged act involves injuries, inhabited structures, or repeat offenses.
Here are typical bail ranges based on the severity of the arson charge:
Simple Reckless Burning (Misdemeanor): For minor fires caused by negligence — such as an unattended campfire or mishandled fireworks — bail is usually set between $10,000 and $25,000.
Arson Causing Property Damage (Felony): If the fire damages someone’s vehicle, business, or personal property, bail typically ranges from $50,000 to $75,000.
Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury: When the fire results in serious physical harm to another person, bail can range from $100,000 to over $250,000, depending on the extent of the injuries and whether the act was intentional.
Arson of an Inhabited Structure: Setting fire to an occupied home, apartment, or building is among the most serious types of arson. Bail for these cases generally starts at $200,000 or more.
Arson With Prior Convictions or During a State of Emergency: If the defendant has a prior arson conviction or if the offense occurred during a declared state of emergency (such as during wildfire season), bail may be set at $500,000 or higher due to the elevated public safety risk.
These figures are general estimates. Every California county has its own bail schedule, and judges have the discretion to adjust bail up or down based on the circumstances of the case.
When determining the exact bail amount, judges consider a range of factors that go beyond the basic charge. Here’s what typically influences how much someone must pay to be released:
Intent Behind the Fire
If the arson was committed maliciously and on purpose, the court will treat the case with greater severity than one caused by recklessness or negligence. Intentional acts are almost always charged as felonies, leading to higher bail.
Extent of the Fire and Damage Caused
The size and impact of the fire matter. A fire that damages multiple structures, spreads rapidly, or destroys forest land is far more serious than one that burns a single item or area.
Injury or Death
If someone is hurt or killed as a result of the fire — whether a resident, bystander, or firefighter — bail will be much higher, especially if the injury was foreseeable or part of a targeted act.
Location of the Incident
Setting a fire in a densely populated neighborhood, near schools, or in wildfire-prone areas increases the risk to the public and usually leads to a higher bail amount. Fires that threaten public infrastructure, such as power lines or highways, may also be treated more harshly.
Criminal History
Judges review the defendant’s prior record carefully. If there’s a history of violent crimes, previous arson arrests, or past failures to appear in court, the judge is more likely to set a higher bail amount.
Public Safety Risk
If the court believes the defendant poses an ongoing danger to the community — particularly if the arson was part of a pattern or targeted at individuals or public facilities — the judge may significantly raise bail or even deny it altogether in rare cases.
Mental Health Concerns
In some situations, the defendant may have a mental illness or behavioral disorder, such as pyromania, that contributed to the offense. While this may not lower the bail, it could lead to additional court-ordered evaluations or restrictions tied to the defendant’s release.
At Cali Bail Bonds, we know how overwhelming an arson arrest can be — both emotionally and financially. That’s why we offer around-the-clock support, including 1% down bail bonds (on approved credit), no-collateral options, and affordable payment plans that are designed to ease the burden. No matter the charge, we’re here to move fast and help your loved one come home as quickly as possible.
Steps
Being arrested for arson in California is a serious and often overwhelming experience — especially because these charges are usually treated as felonies with high bail amounts. Whether your loved one is facing accusations of reckless burning or malicious arson, time is critical. At Cali Bail Bonds, we’re here to make the process simple, fast, and accessible so you don’t have to face it alone. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the bail bond process works for arson cases:
01.
After the arrest, the defendant is taken to the nearest jail facility. They will be fingerprinted, photographed, and processed. During this time, law enforcement will gather basic case details and prepare charges. Booking times can vary, but they typically take several hours.
02
For arson charges, bail is usually set according to the county’s bail schedule. However, in more serious cases — such as arson causing great bodily injury or involving an inhabited structure — a judge may review the case individually.
03.
Once bail is set, call Cali Bail Bonds at 888-365-3113 or use our free inmate search tool. Our experienced agents are available 24/7 to assist with any arson-related arrest across all 58 California counties.
04.
We make it easy to get started. You can complete all required documents digitally from your phone or computer using secure e-signatures. If you qualify, you may be eligible for one of our flexible payment options, including 1% down bail bonds (on approved credit) and no-collateral bail bonds for many arson cases.
05.
After paperwork is complete and payment is arranged, our licensed bail agent will immediately head to the jail facility to post the bond. For arson charges, release may take slightly longer due to the seriousness of the charge, but in most cases, defendants are released within 1 to 4 hours after the bond is posted, depending on the jail’s processing speed.
06.
Once released, the defendant is free to return home while awaiting trial. This gives them time to consult with legal counsel, gather evidence, and prepare a defense without the added pressure of being behind bars.
07.
It’s critical that the defendant attends all scheduled court hearings and complies with any conditions of release. Failing to appear could lead to bond forfeiture and a warrant for arrest. Our team will help you understand these conditions so there are no surprises.
At Cali Bail Bonds, we understand that the cost of bail for serious charges like arson can be overwhelming — especially when the arrest happens unexpectedly. That’s why we offer flexible, affordable payment options designed to help you secure your loved one’s release quickly without putting you under financial strain. Whether the bail amount is $50,000 or $500,000+, our goal is to make the process accessible for every client, regardless of your financial situation.
Here’s how we can help you afford bail for arson charges in California:
Under California law, licensed bail bond agencies typically charge 10% of the total bail amount as the premium. This is a non-refundable fee that covers the cost of securing and managing the bond. For example, if bail is set at $100,000, the standard premium would be $10,000.
If you don’t have the full 10% available upfront, you may qualify for our 1% down bail bond program, available to clients with approved credit or a qualified co-signer. This means you can begin the bail process with as little as 1% of the total bail amount upfront, and we’ll create a payment plan for the remaining balance.
Example:
For a $100,000 bail, you could get started with just $1,000 down, and pay the rest over time.
We offer custom payment plans tailored to your budget, with terms ranging from 3 to 12 months. These plans come with:
Our team will work with you to find a plan that fits your income and timeline.
Many people assume they need property or assets to secure a bail bond — but that’s not always true. For arson cases, we often offer no-collateral bail bonds for clients who meet certain qualifications, such as:
This means you don’t have to risk your home, car, or savings to get your loved one out of jail.
To make the process as convenient as possible, we accept a wide range of payment options:
Not sure what you qualify for? We’ll walk you through it in minutes. Call us at 888-365-3113 and speak with one of our licensed agents — available 24/7. At Cali Bail Bonds, we’re committed to getting your loved one out fast, with a payment plan that works for you.
FAQs
Yes. Arson is considered a serious crime, and bail is typically required for release while the defendant awaits trial. The amount depends on the charge severity and local county bail schedules.
Yes. If the fire was started through reckless behavior without intent to harm, the defendant may be charged with misdemeanor reckless burning under Penal Code § 452(d).
Malicious arson (PC § 451) involves intentionally setting a fire, while reckless burning (PC § 452) involves starting a fire through careless or negligent actions without malicious intent.
If someone is seriously injured, the charge becomes arson causing great bodily injury (PC § 451(a)), a felony with higher bail and harsher penalties, including long-term prison time.
Yes, in many cases. Once bail is set and we complete the paperwork, we can usually post bail the same day. Release typically occurs within a few hours, depending on the jail.
Absolutely. We provide custom payment plans with no interest and flexible terms. You may even qualify for our 1% down bail bond program, depending on credit and income.
Not always. We offer no collateral bail bonds for qualified clients with a steady job, good credit, or a reliable co-signer. Call us to see if you qualify.
If the defendant fails to appear in court, the judge may issue a bench warrant, and the bail bond could be forfeited. It’s critical to attend all court appearances to avoid legal consequences.
Yes. Certain types of arson — especially those causing injury or committed with malicious intent — are classified as strike offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Depending on the charge, prison sentences range from 16 months to 9 years or more, especially if the arson caused injury, targeted inhabited structures, or was committed during a state of emergency.
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