Prison exposure depends on the degree of arson charged, whether anyone was hurt, whether insurance fraud is alleged, and whether you have a prior record. First degree arson - fires in occupied buildings or dwellings - carries the highest potential sentence under Rhode Island law, up to and including the possibility of a life maximum on the most serious facts. Second degree arson, typically involving unoccupied structures, carries substantial state prison exposure measured in years. Third degree arson involving other property carries lesser but still significant felony prison time. Beyond prison, a judge can order restitution for fire department response costs, property damage, and insurance payouts, which can total tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Do not rely on statute maximums alone - the real number in your case depends on the plea offer, the judge, and the strength of the defense. A Rhode Island arson lawyer will walk you through realistic outcomes after reviewing the fire marshal's report.