California treats arson as a serious criminal act. The damage caused by wildfires throughout the state means that the court system can prosecute arson as a misdemeanor or a felony, leading to jail time, high fines, and other penalties in Glendale.
Make sure you’re ready to handle an arson accusation by contacting the Simmrin Law Group right now. Get professional advice from our arson defense lawyers in Glendale by calling (310) 896-2723. We know what it takes to help clients in your situation, so reach out to us now.
Types of Arson in Glendale
You can face two primary charges if you are accused of arson in Glendale. Let’s go over the definitions of these two charges right now.
Reckless Burning in Glendale
Some acts of arson are considered reckless burning and prosecuted under California Penal Code Section 452. Reckless burning occurs if someone starts a fire:
- For the thrill of it
- Due to a mental illness
- For any reason not involving hurting others, damaging property out of cruelty, or defrauding an insurance company
Reckless burning can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Malicious Arson in Glendale
The court system can also charge individuals with malicious arson under California Penal Code Section 451. Malicious arson occurs anytime someone starts a fire to:
- Hurt someone else
- Defraud their insurance company
- Damage property out of anger, jealousy, revenge, or spite
Malicious arson will always be prosecuted as a felony in Glendale. Make sure you’re ready to handle any type of arson charge by working with a criminal defense lawyer in Glendale today.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Outcomes of a Glendale Arson Conviction
As we mentioned previously, the court system in California prosecutes acts of arson very harshly. You can face a number of penalties if you are convicted. A misdemeanor conviction can result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
Felony convictions for either reckless burning or malicious arson can lead to:
- Fines of up to $50,000 OR up to twice the amount you would receive from insurance for a fire
- Prison time of up to nine years
Additionally, the court often uses sentencing enhancements in arson cases. You could have up to five years of time added onto a prison sentence if, for example:
- The arson impacted more than one building
- A timer or accelerant was used in the arson
- The arson hurt three or more people
- The fire hurt an emergency worker
- You have a past conviction for arson on your record
A property crimes lawyer in Glendale can take steps to build your defense if you are accused of reckless burning or malicious arson. Call us at (310) 896-2723 to begin working on a personalized defense designed to meet your needs.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Secure Assistance from an Arson Lawyer in Glendale
Arson cases in Glendale can be difficult to handle on your own. Fortunately, you can get professional help immediately from the Simmrin Law Group. We’re standing by to help:
After Your Arrest
Getting fast legal advice can improve your odds of successfully resolving arson charges. Our lawyers can advise you during interviews with law enforcement officers and prosecutors. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you do not discuss your charge at all until you’ve retained the services of a criminal defense lawyer.
Investigate Your Case
Arson charges may not be straightforward. Sometimes accidental fires may appear to be intentional. Allow us to review the facts of your case and to speak with witnesses. We may even be able to block some evidence against you, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Help with Plea Deals
Some arson charges are resolved outside of the court with a plea bargain. However, you should not accept a plea bargain before you allow a criminal defense lawyer it over. Sometimes, these deals will not be in your best interests and they can actually work against you.
Fight for You in Court
Here at the Simmrin Law Group, we’re ready to support you in and out of the courtroom. We can argue that you did not intentionally set a fire or that you were falsely accused of arson. Review your best options for handling an arson accusation by contacting us now.
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Call a Glendale Arson Defense Lawyer for Help Today
Make sure you’re ready to face arson charges in Glendale head-on by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group. You can easily work on your defense by calling (310) 896-2723 or completing our online contact form.
Speak to our arson defense lawyers in Glendale now to get a FREE consultation.
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