A case of first-degree arson is considered one of the most serious crimes that can be committed in the State of Florida. Anyone can be charged with committing first-degree arson if they deliberately set fire to a business or a home. The penalties for a crime like this include spending years in prison and having to pay thousands of dollars in fines. Furthermore, if the individual who is suspected of committing first-degree arson is also accused of committing another crime, then they could potentially face life imprisonment.
If you are facing charges for first-degree arson, then you will need to seek legal counsel from a reputable law firm as soon as possible. The sooner that you reach out to The Law Place, the higher your chances that we will achieve a reasonable outcome for your case. We have over seventy-five years of collective experience when it comes to fighting cases of arson – whether they are first-degree felony or second-degree felony charges. Our law firm has a dedicated team of criminal defense lawyers who understand the laws surrounding arson crimes, and they will guide you through the legal system in the State of Florida.
Call The Law Place today to set up a free case evaluation in Clearwater, where a criminal defense attorney will talk you through the process of arson crimes, explain how we can be of service to you, and answer all of your questions.
Contact us now at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation, and we will fight your first-degree arson charges together in Clearwater.
Arson in the First-Degree in the State of Florida
Florida Statute 806.01 defines arson in the first-degree as any person who willfully and unlawfully damages a dwelling or structure that could be occupied, whether it is occupied or not, through fire or explosion.
Difference Between First-Degree and Second-Degree Felony Arson in Clearwater, FL.
A charge of first-degree arson is usually leveled against individuals who deliberately set fire to structures or dwellings where people are present during a specific set of hours in the day. On the other hand, a charge of second-degree arson is leveled against those who deliberately set fire to any other kind of property or structure, which includes individuals who set fire to their own property or home without the required authorization from the government.
An example of being charged with second-degree arson could be if an individual decides to set fire to an abandoned shack or an out of operation business. The main difference between second and first-degree arson is that nobody would normally be on the premises at the time that the fire is started for second-degree arson charges.
What if the Fire Was Unintentional?
Arson crimes mainly involve deliberate or illegal fires and explosions in the State of Florida. However, you will not be charged with arson if you accidentally set fire to a property where other people were occupying the space. It is possible that you could still be charged with another type of crime, but the prosecution will not be able to press arson charges against you.
However, you might be suspected of committing arson if the accidental fire was started when you were in the process of committing another crime. An example of this would be if an individual were caught burglarizing a property and they happened to knock over a candle, which set fire to the property at the same time. The fire might have been unintentional in this case, but the prosecution will still try to prove that it wasn’t in an attempt to charge you with arson.
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Penalties for First-Degree and Second-Degree Arson in Clearwater, FL.
Florida Statute 775.082, Florida Statute 775.083, and Florida Statute 775.084 detail the penalties for first-degree and second-degree felony arson crimes.
First Degree Arson
- Spending up to 30 years in prison.
- Receiving fines as high as $10,000.
- A permanent criminal record.
- A lifetime probation period.
Second Degree Arson
- Spending up to 15 years in prison.
- Receiving fines as high as $10,000.
- A permanent criminal record.
- A probation period of up to 15 years.
If you are convicted on a charge of arson in the first or second degree, then there is a high possibility that you might never be able to resume your normal life again, as these charges are some of the most serious in the State of Florida. However, the good news is that you can hire a criminal defense lawyer from The Law Place who will handle your case and protect your legal rights in the State of Florida.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
What Can a Defense Attorney Do for My Case?
A skilled criminal defense attorney from The Law Place could defend your legal rights by employing several different defense methods, such as:
- Challenging the expert witness on the prosecutor’s side.
- Bringing an opposing witness who supports your innocence.
- Contesting the legitimacy of the investigation that was conducted by law enforcement.
- Presenting a valid defense for the crime of arson.
- Arguing against the evidence that has been provided by the prosecution and claiming that it is illegitimate.
- Contesting any declaration of your deliberate aim to commit a crime of arson.
- Presenting another suspect to be investigated for the crime of arson.
Contact The Law Place Today
Have you been charged with arson in the first or second degree? Then we highly recommend that you speak to a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the best move to make in your current situation. The risks are high for arson crimes, and we know the punishments that are in store for you.
The Law Place has managed hundreds of cases just like yours and helped hundreds of clients beat their arson-related charges. We understand the laws surrounding arson crimes, and we know that we can save your future if you place your faith in us.
Our law firm highly respects the trust in an attorney-client relationship, which means that you are free to speak your mind, and anything you share with us will be kept confidential. Every arson case is different from the next, and our law firm will be able to conduct an intensive investigation into your charges and build a strong defense strategy that will be tailored just for you.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with The Law Place today. Contact us now at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation, and we will fight your first-degree arson charges together in Clearwater.