La Mirada Arson Attorney
If you’re facing arson charges, you’re likely feeling alone and like no one is listening to your side of the story. Whether you were involved in a misunderstanding, have been falsely identified, or accidentally caused a fire, it’s important to remember that an accusation does not always lead to a conviction.
A La Mirada arson lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can help you understand your rights and work to protect your freedom while pushing for a favorable outcome in your case.
At Shield Law, APC, our empathetic and skilled legal defense team understands the harshness with which law enforcement and prosecutors go after arson cases in La Mirada and surrounding areas.
We have a long history of successfully helping defendants fight back against their charges, making sure that they receive fair treatment under the law. Whether your case involves an unintentional mistake or other external factors, we are ready to represent you.
What Is Arson?
Under the California Penal Code, arson is a severe felony offense that involves setting property, a building, or land on fire. With the increase in climate change and lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure in California, such events can lead to significant damages, increasing the negative consequences of fires. Therefore, law enforcement and prosecutors have been fiercely pursuing arson cases.
A diligent arson lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can help you successfully defend against the following arson charges:
- Malicious arson. This offense involves intentionally starting a fire as a means to cause harm or damage.
- Reckless burning. Reckless burning involves causing a fire as a result of behavior that is reckless or negligent. Depending on the resulting damages, reckless burning can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.
Penalties for an arson conviction are dependent on factors like the defendant’s intent, subsequent damage caused, and whether anyone was harmed. Individuals convicted of arson could face prison time, tens of thousands to millions of dollars in fines and restitutions, mandatory fire prevention education programs, and probation.
If the case involved the harm or killing of an individual, charges may be escalated to aggravated arson, resulting in decades in prison.
A La Mirada Arson Lawyer Can Help You Defend Against Arson Charges
Arson cases are generally highly complex, relying on statements from witnesses, in-depth fire investigations, and scientific evidence. Unfortunately, a lot of the evidence used in these cases may not always be accurate.
Our experienced legal team can’t scrutinize each detail of your case to help you implement an optimal defense strategy, which could include:
- Asserting accidental fire. We can present evidence that shows the fire was not intentionally caused or that other factors contributed to starting the fire.
- Proving mistaken identity. If you were not present at the time the fire was started or if you have been mistaken for someone else, a defense lawyer from our firm can work to show this.
- Showing a lack of evidence. If the prosecution cannot prove that you were directly involved or intended to start a fire, this could lead to reduced or dropped charges.
FAQs
The different types of arson charges under California law include malicious arson and reckless burning. Reckless burning involves causing a fire as a result of reckless behavior but not actually intending to. Malicious arson, on the other hand, involves setting fire to forest land, structures, or property on purpose and with malicious intent. A detail-oriented attorney can help you understand the specific arson charges you may be facing.
Yes, you can be charged with arson even if the fire was an accident. If prosecutors have sufficient proof to show that the fire was started due to reckless behavior, you could still be charged under California arson laws. However, if you can show that you were not engaged in reckless behavior and that the fire was truly accidental, you could avoid facing arson charges. A skilled attorney can help you understand your defense options.
Some possible defenses against arson charges include showing that the fire was caused by accident and not due to reckless and negligent behavior, demonstrating the insufficiency of evidence that links you to the fire, asserting that accusations against you are false, or showing that you have been mistaken for someone else who actually committed the crime. Your attorney can also assert that your constitutional rights were breached during the investigation or arrest.
California’s Three Strikes Law affects arson charges because malicious arson is considered to be a strike offense under the law. This means that a conviction could lead to increased penalties, especially if the offender has been convicted of committing certain serious crimes repeatedly. A thoughtful attorney can help you understand how California’s Three Strikes Law may specifically impact your case and potential penalties.
Yes, you will likely have to pay restitution to any victims if you are convicted of arson. This can include government agencies or property owners for any type of damage caused. A La Mirada arson lawyer can support you by helping you understand the amount of restitution you may potentially have to cover and assisting with optimizing your criminal defense strategy to minimize the penalties.
Defend Against Your Arson Charges Optimally With a Knowledgeable La Mirada Attorney
Arson is a serious crime that can lead to significant penalties, from millions in restitution to incarceration to a permanent criminal record. A La Mirada arson lawyer from Shield Law, APC, understands these consequences more than anyone and is here to fiercely protect you by fighting back against your charges and defending your rights.
Together, we can work to achieve dropped or minimized charges. Contact our legal team today to learn more about how we can help you defend against arson charges.