{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "150.20", "citation": "Penal Law § 150.20", "heading": "Arson in the first degree", "text": ["§ 150.20 Arson in the first degree.", "1. A person is guilty of arson in the first degree when he intentionally damages a building or motor vehicle by causing an explosion or a fire and when (a) such explosion or fire is caused by an incendiary device propelled, thrown or placed inside or near such building or motor vehicle; or when such explosion or fire is caused by an explosive; or when such explosion or fire either (i) causes serious physical injury to another person other than a participant, or (ii) the explosion or fire was caused with the expectation or receipt of financial advantage or pecuniary profit by the actor; and when (b) another person who is not a participant in the crime is present in such building or motor vehicle at the time; and (c) the defendant knows that fact or the circumstances are such as to render the presence of such person therein a reasonable possibility.", "2. As used in this section, \"incendiary device\" means a breakable container designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion upon impact, containing flammable liquid and having a wick or a similar device capable of being ignited.", "Arson in the first degree is a class A-I felony."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/150.20", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A person commits first-degree arson by **intentionally damaging a building or motor vehicle with fire or explosion** when:\n- **(a)** an incendiary device or explosive is used, a nonparticipant suffers **serious physical injury**, or the actor expects or receives financial gain;\n- **(b)** a nonparticipant **is present**; and\n- **(c)** the defendant **knows that or the circumstances make the person’s presence reasonably possible**. ★\nAn incendiary device is a breakable, impact-triggered container of flammable liquid with an ignitable wick or similar device. The offense is a **class A-I felony**.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/150.20", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}