What Sentences Are Imposed for Second-Degree Arson in New York?
Two independent completed New York City prosecutions involving second-degree arson were found. One provides a directly allocated 10-year arson term; the other reports a 27-to-29-year total across arson, burglary, reckless endangerment, contempt, and stalking convictions. Because only one source allocates the target count, no clean observed range is calculated.
Quick Answer
- Independent completed cases: 2
- Locations: the Bronx and Queens
- Directly allocated arson term: 10 years
- Aggregate outcome: 27 to 29 years, separately labeled
- Sample warning: small selected public-reporting sample
See the New York hub, compare second-degree burglary and third-degree burglary, and read our methodology.
What Is Second-Degree Arson?
Penal Law §150.15 applies when a person intentionally damages a building or motor vehicle by starting a fire while another nonparticipant is present and the defendant knows, or reasonably should recognize, the possibility of that presence. It is a class B violent felony.
Statutory Sentence
For a first violent felony offender, Penal Law §70.02 generally provides a determinate 5-to-25-year term for a class B violent felony, plus post-release supervision. Prior convictions and other provisions may change the result.
Observed Completed Outcomes
| Case | Convictions | Final sentence | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Williams | Second-degree arson and second-degree burglary after jury trial | 10 years for arson; concurrent 5 years for burglary | Target arson term directly allocated |
| Steven Somerville | Second-degree arson plus burglary, reckless endangerment, contempt, and stalking | 27 to 29 years overall | Aggregate multi-offense outcome; not an arson-only term |
Case Details
Williams received ten years for second-degree arson and a concurrent five-year burglary term after a Bronx apartment fire. Official source. Somerville received an overall 27-to-29-year sentence after a Queens jury convicted him of second-degree arson and several other offenses. The official release does not isolate an arson count term, so the total is excluded from any target range. Official source.
Methodology and Limitations
This is a small selected public-reporting sample and should not be treated as a citywide sentencing distribution. Two independent completed clusters met the threshold, but only one contained a clean target-count allocation; no artificial range is produced.
Sources
Disclaimer
General information only, not legal advice.