SentenceCalc

Arson Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person set a fire or used explosives to damage property. Federal sentences for arson are calculated under §2K1.4 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 16 to 24 depending on the kind of offense, then adds levels for the facts of the case. At the first starting point in the table below (level 24) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 months under the guidelines.

Verified Checked against the manual text in at least five AI-assisted review rounds. Not yet reviewed by an attorney. Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025Updated October 4, 2026

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Starting level and typical ranges

These ranges use the starting level alone, before any of the facts listed below, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
Knowingly put someone in serious danger, or destroyed or tried to destroy a home or a public place2451–63 months37–46 monthsn/a57–71 months
Put someone in serious danger without knowing it, destroyed or tried to destroy another kind of building or structure, or endangered a home, structure or public place2033–41 months24–30 monthsn/a37–46 months
Destroyed or tampered with aids to maritime navigation1621–27 months12–18 monthsn/a24–30 months

The 2-level zero-point reduction is generally not available for this kind of offense, because it usually involves violence, a credible threat or a weapon (§4C1.1(a)(3), (a)(7)).

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2K1.4. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
Was the fire or explosion meant to cover up another crime: Yes+2§2K1.4(b)(1)
Did it happen at a national cemetery: Yes+2§2K1.4(b)(2)

Important details

  • If someone died, or the fire or explosion was meant to kill or seriously hurt someone, the most similar guideline for crimes against people applies instead when it gives a higher level (§2K1.4(c)(1)).
  • For the last starting-point option, the calculator asks for the offense level under the theft and property damage guideline (§2B1.1), which depends mostly on the dollar amount of the damage.
  • The 3-level reduction for an attempt or conspiracy does not apply to offenses under 18 U.S.C. §32 or §2332a. It also does not apply to offenses under 18 U.S.C. §81, §1362, §1363 or §1992(a)(1) to (a)(7), (a)(9), (a)(10), or 49 U.S.C. §60123(b), if the offense involved or was meant to promote a federal crime of terrorism (§2X1.1(d)(1)).
  • The calculator does not apply mandatory minimum sentences set by statute for this offense. If the statute of conviction requires one and it is higher than the range shown, the minimum controls; check the statute or ask a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the base offense level for arson?

The guideline for arson is §2K1.4 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 16 to level 24. The table on this page lists each starting point. In some cases the starting level is taken from another offense instead; the calculator asks when that applies.

What is the guideline range for arson with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 24) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 37–46 months (3 years, 1 month to 3 years, 10 months). The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.

Is probation possible for arson?

Not under the guidelines. Even at the first starting point in the table with a guilty plea the range is in Zone D, where the minimum must be served in prison, though a judge may vary below it.

Is the calculator accurate for arson?

It follows §2K1.4 of the Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025. It passed 6 review rounds, each comparing every number, rule and label with the manual text, and its last round found nothing to correct. Those reviews were done with AI tools, not by lawyers, and it has not yet been reviewed by an attorney, so mistakes are possible. The guidelines are advisory, and a lawyer who knows the case can tell you what actually applies.