Get additional information about arson involving bodily injuries in California from our team at the Simmrin Law Group. You can easily reach us if you call (310) 896-2723.
Types of Arson and Their Penalties
Arson resulting in a great bodily injury can lead to serious penalties in California. However, the penalties vary based on the underlying criminal charge. Individuals can face charges for:
Malicious Arson
Malicious arson is always a felony-level offense in California. Individuals can face charges for starting a fire in order to:
- Annoy someone
- Defraud someone
- Hurt someone
Generally, individuals face these charges if they set fire to forested land, someone’s property, or a structure. Intent matters when it comes to malicious arson charges in Los Angeles. Individuals charged with malicious arson can face up to nine years in prison if they cause someone a great bodily injury.
Reckless Burning
Some individuals are charged with reckless burning, instead of malicious arson. Reckless burning charges apply if someone sets a fire by acting in a reckless or unreasonable way.
Reckless burning is a “wobbler.” Wobblers are sometimes treated as misdemeanors and sometimes treated as felonies.
However, individuals accused of reckless burning may only face six years in prison if they are accused of causing a great bodily injury. As you can see, malicious arson charges are handled more harshly by the court system in Los Angeles.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
What Defines a Great Bodily Injury in California
We’ve discussed basic arson charges here in California. It’s also important to understand the legal definition of a “great bodily injury.” Not all injuries are considered great bodily injuries by the court system.
In fact, great bodily injuries only occur if someone faces:
- A significant injury
- A substantial injury
In many cases, a judge will determine if someone sustained a great bodily injury or not. However, there are a number of injuries that often qualify as great bodily injuries. Common examples include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Damage to the nervous system
Any serious injuries caused by fire could qualify as “great bodily injuries” here in Los Angeles. Find out more by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Call us at (310) 896-2723 to get more information. Our arson lawyers in Los Angeles can answer your questions.
The Difference Between Arson and an Accidental Fire
Many people wonder if they can face arson charges after accidentally starting a fire that injured someone else. In fact, arson charges should not apply to accidental fires, even if someone sustained a great bodily injury.
However, the prosecution will work to show that someone intentionally started a fire. Arson charges apply if someone starts a fire:
- Maliciously and to hurt someone else
- By acting in a way that a reasonable person would not act
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand the difference between accidental fires and arson.
How We Handle a Defense for Arson that Results in Great Bodily Injury
Arson causing a great bodily injury can lead to years of time in prison in California. However, you do not have to face these charges on your own. You can get legal help by working with the Simmrin Law Group today.
Our team can take steps to help you avoid a conviction for malicious arson or reckless burning. We understand the defenses that work to handle these charges. We are ready to show that you did not intentionally start a fire.
Allow us to focus on getting your charges reduced or even dismissed. We can also represent you in front of a judge and jury here in Los Angeles.
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Call an Attorney for Help Today
There are serious penalties for arson that result in great bodily injury in California. This act can lead to years of time in prison. Fortunately, you can get help handling these charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Just call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form. Our arson lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help you. We’ll get started with a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form