Editor’s note: This is part of a package on furniture fires and couch burnings. Read about the health and environmental effects of burning couches. Also check out what students think about penalties for crimes related to furniture fires.
Students might want to think twice before setting a couch on fire as new legislation kicked in, increasing punishments for arson-related crimes.
New arson laws took effect last Wednesday revise sentencing guidelines to give judges a wider range of options and more flexibility when charging and penalizing individuals who intentionally set fires.
Maria Miller, assistant prosecuting attorney of Wayne County, said the office contacted state Rep. John Walsh, R-Livonia, who introduced the bill last May, regarding strengthening arson laws.
“The most important impact of the new legislation is that it appropriately treats arson as a violent and deadly crime,” she said. “We hope the enhanced penalties will have a deterrent effect that will benefit Michigan citizens.”
The law creates and defines first-degree arson, which includes a fire causing physical injury, setting fire to a mine, or an arson of a multi-unit home, such as an apartment, regardless if it results in injury.
Judges can issue up to $20,000 or three times the value of destroyed property in fines for these offenses.
In 2011, there were a reported 10,552 arson-related fires in Michigan — meaning one of every three fires was intentionally set, according to Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration.
Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said although he doesn’t believe arson is a big problem in East Lansing, the university and city work together to ensure incidents are few and far between.
City police handled four suspects this spring after about 14 reported incidents of couch burning took place when the MSU men’s basketball team lost the NCAA basketball tournament to Duke.
Police offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved with the furniture fires.
“It’s a serious public safety issue for the city,” Triplett said. “I do think it’s important to take it seriously when it does occur.”
The new law defines aiding or persuading another person to commit arson and using, arranging, distributing, placing, or devising explosive items near personal property or a building as a crime, which was not mentioned in previous laws.
East Lansing police Capt. Jeff Murphy said the most typical charges the department issues are for kindling a fire or remaining within 300 feet of a fire.
Both are considered misdemeanors and can be punished by 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The new law also increases prison time in cases of burning down a home with the intent of insurance fraud, which Miller said has been an increasing problem.
“Arson cases are too often treated as nonviolent offenses, with sentencing that is not hard enough for such a serious offense,” Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said in a January statement.
“This legislation restructures the way we deal with these crimes and provides for more appropriate penalties.”
Staff writers Michael Koury and Darcie Moran contributed to this report.
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