Arson Attorneys
Representing Clients Nationwide
At The Cochran Firm Criminal Defense, our attorneys are experienced in defending clients who have been charged with arson and other violent crimes. If you are facing arson charges, please do not hesitate to contact The Cochran Firm Criminal Defense attorneys today.
Arson is the crime of intentionally setting fire to a building or property. The purpose may be to harm people in the building, people around the building, or to destroy the building or property itself. Arson is a felony crime with serious repercussions if you are convicted.
What Constitutes Arson?
The major elements in an arson case include the presence of a building or property that has been burned and the malicious intent of the perpetrator that set fire to the building or property. Motive does not necessarily have to be a contributing factor. If the accused purposefully set the fire, arson charges will likely be filed.
Degrees of Arson
The severity of charges and sentencing related to arson are determined by the varying degrees of arson. The severity of the charges is determined by whether or not someone was hurt or killed as a result of the fire. Another factor which may heavily affect the charges or sentencing is the value of the property that was damaged as a result of the fire.
If someone was killed as a result of the fire, the arsonist will be charged with murder. The proximity of any person's residence in relation to the fire is a factor. Whether or not the structure that was burned was a residence and the time of day the fire was set are also major factors in the determination of the degree of arson.
A property owner who has used arson as a means to file a fraudulent insurance claim is guilty of third degree arson. The offender will also be charged with insurance fraud.
Proving Arson
As with any other criminal charges, the prosecutor of the arson case must be able to prove each and every element of the case against the offender completely and beyond any reasonable doubt. The Cochran Firm Criminal Defense teams are dedicated to proving the innocence of our clients. We will work hard to bring any weaknesses in the prosecution's claims to light and in turn prove your innocence.
If you have been charged with arson or any other serious crime, please call or email The Cochran Firm Criminal Defense attorneys immediately. We will fight aggressively to prove your innocence and to maintain your freedom.
