McKinney Arson Defense Lawyers
Attorneys Addressing Criminal Charges Involving Arson in McKinney, TX
People who are accused of starting fires that resulted in injuries or the destruction of property may be charged with arson. This is a serious property crime because of the risks that fires and explosions present and the ways multiple people and properties may be affected. Understanding how to address charges of arson and defend against a conviction will require a detailed analysis of the facts involved in a case. Legal representation from an attorney with experience handling property crimes can be crucial in these situations.
The lawyers at Texas Defense Firm understand how to address charges of arson or other related offenses, such as vandalism or criminal mischief. We can provide the legal help clients need in these cases, making sure they take the right steps to address accusations of intentionally or recklessly setting fires and putting others at risk. We will work to resolve these cases successfully while helping our clients avoid criminal convictions.
When Arson Charges May Apply
Arson generally involves starting a fire or causing an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage property. A person could also be charged with arson based on accusations that they recklessly started a fire and did not consider whether their actions could put others at risk.
There are a wide range of situations involving fires or explosions that could lead to arson charges. A person may be accused of deliberately setting fire to a building, a vehicle, or a piece of land with the intent to damage or destroy it. These accusations may involve claims that a person intended to commit insurance fraud, that they were attempting to cause harm to someone else because of personal conflicts, or that they intentionally started a fire for another reason.
Arson charges may also apply in situations in which a person did not intend to destroy property, but they are accused of engaging in reckless conduct that resulted in a fire or explosion. For example, a person who uses fireworks or flammable materials in a careless manner may cause a fire that damages a home or another building. In these cases, arson charges may be based on reckless conduct rather than a deliberate intent to destroy property.
In many cases, the most serious arson charges involve fires or explosions that allegedly resulted in someone's injury or death. If someone was allegedly harmed or killed as a result of a fire, a person may face additional charges along with arson, including charges related to assault or homicide.
Penalties for Arson
The severity of arson charges may be based on several factors, including the type of property involved, the extent of the damage, whether anyone was injured or killed, and whether the person acted intentionally or recklessly. In general, arson charges that involve fires that were set with the intention of damaging or destroying a home, another building, a vehicle, or structures on land will be classified as second-degree felonies. A person who is convicted could be required to serve between two and 20 years in prison.
Arson may be classified as a first-degree felony depending on where an incident allegedly occurred or whether anyone was injured. If a person is accused of setting a fire with the intent to damage or destroy someone's home or a place of worship, first-degree felony charges may apply. Arson that allegedly resulted in injuries or death after a fire was started intentionally may also lead to first-degree felony charges. In these situations, people who are convicted may be sentenced to between five and 99 years in prison.
When arson charges involve recklessness rather than intentional harm, an offense may be classified as a state jail felony. These cases may involve situations where someone is accused of intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion while being reckless about whether their actions could lead to property damage, injuries, or death. A person who is convicted of a state jail felony could be sentenced to between six months and two years in jail.
State jail felony charges may also apply in arson cases involving fires or explosions that allegedly took place while a person was manufacturing controlled substances. When these situations cause damage to a building or vehicle due to a person's reckless actions, arson charges may apply. If fires allegedly led to injuries or death, a person could be charged with a third-degree felony, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence lasting from two to 10 years.
Helping Clients Defend Against Arson Charges
When law enforcement officials investigate situations that may have involved arson, they will need to determine the cause of a fire and whether it was set deliberately. Our attorneys can work with independent fire investigation professionals to review the methods used during investigations. The scientific methods used to determine the origin of fires and the ways they spread have evolved over the years, but law enforcement officials may use outdated or flawed investigative techniques. Our team can determine whether fires may have been caused by accidents, electrical malfunctions, or other reasons as we defend against accusations of arson.
Our lawyers can also take steps to address allegations that fires were started intentionally. By showing that a client did not intend to cause damage and challenging claims related to recklessness, we can work to defend against arson convictions. We can also address claims that a person set a fire for the purpose of financial gain, and we can review financial records, communications, or other information that prosecutors may use to establish a motive for an offense.
Contact Our McKinney, TX Arson Defense Attorneys
People who are charged with arson may face lengthy prison sentences and other penalties. They will need to understand the steps they can take to resolve these cases successfully. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can provide effective legal representation in these situations. We will work to protect our clients' rights and demonstrate that they did not intentionally or recklessly commit arson. Contact our McKinney arson charges lawyers at 972-369-0577 to set up a free consultation.
