Louisiana § RS 14:52.2 - Negligent arson
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:52.2 — Negligent arson, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:52.2. Negligent arson
A. Negligent arson is the damaging of any building, as defined by R.S. 33:4771, of another by the setting of fire or causing an explosion, without consent of the owner or custodian of the building, when the offender's criminal negligence causes the fire or the explosion.
B. If the offender knows or should have known that he has no possessory right to the building or other interest therein, or has not previously established a right of entry into or onto the building, it may be inferred that the setting of the fire or the causing of the explosion was without consent of the owner or custodian of the building.
C. Whoever commits the crime of negligent arson where it is not foreseeable that human life might be endangered shall be subject to the following:
(1) On a first conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. In addition, the offender shall be ordered to pay restitution for damages sustained.
(2) On a second and subsequent conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars and imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years. In addition, the offender shall be ordered to pay restitution for damages sustained.
D. Whoever commits the crime of negligent arson where it is foreseeable that human life might be endangered shall be fined not more than three thousand dollars and imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than three years. In addition, the offender shall be ordered to pay restitution for damages sustained.
E. Whoever commits the crime of negligent arson resulting in death or serious bodily injury to a human being shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years. In addition, the offender shall be ordered to pay restitution for damages sustained.
F. Any person convicted of a violation of this Section shall register with the state fire marshal in accordance with R.S. 15:562.3.
G. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to commonly accepted practices of prescribed burning of agricultural and forestry land including prescribed burning done in accordance with R.S. 3:17.
Acts 2018, No. 576, §1, eff. May 31, 2018; Acts 2019, No. 2, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:52.2
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:52.2 cover?
Section RS 14:52.2 ("Negligent arson") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:52.2?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:52.2" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 14:52.2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.