If you are a resident in Punta Gorda and you are at risk of facing an arson charge, then you could be facing some serious penalties in the future. These could include large fines, a prison sentence, and most likely a criminal record. This is why it is very important that you seek a criminal defense attorney. They will be able to fight your corner and build a strong defense strategy for you when you face the courts. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to question any evidence brought against you in court. If the evidence is too strong to get your case dropped completely, then they will try and find a way to reduce the penalties as much as they can.
Here at The Law Place, we understand how devastating an arson charge can be in Punta Gorda. Our team of criminal defense lawyers will do everything humanely possible to create a strong criminal defense for your case. This will help you to try and escape some of the worst consequences of your arson charge.
Call one of our criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a free consultation by calling us at (941) 444-4444, where our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How Is an Arson Charge Defined?
According to Florida Statute 806.01, for a person to commit an arson charge, they have willfully and unlawfully used explosions or fire. This involves damaging a structure, which includes any property type that has the potential to hold of humans.
Some of the common structures where people are likely to commit arson include:
- Houses.
- Hospitals.
- Jails.
- Churches.
- Shops.
- Nursing homes.
- Health care facilities.
- Schools.
- Vehicles, including boats and aircraft.
If the arson committed involved causing damage to a structure that didn’t have the potential to contain humans, then this will be a lesser charge.
If you have committed an arson charge and you are confused about what your next steps for defense should be, contact one of our criminal defense lawyers at The Law Place today. Our team of criminal defense attorneys has over 75 years of combined experience with these types of cases. Therefore, you can put your trust in us to guide you through this legal process and fight for your defense.
What Are Some of the Potential Penalties and Punishments in an Arson Charge?
When looking at all of the property crimes in Punta Gorda, arson is one of the most serious. Also, in most circumstances, it is usually considered a felony. Here in Florida, arson is recognized as both a first and second-degree felony, depending on the structure that was damaged and how bad the damage was.
For the arson charge to be considered a first-degree felony, this will involve damaging a structure that people were in at the time of the explosion or fire. For instance, this could include a correctional facility, someone’s house, a healthcare facility, or a religious institution during the hours it is open.
For the arson charge to be considered a second-degree felony, this would be slightly different. This involves a structure that is not normally occupied. For instance, this may include a storage facility, but the explosion or fire is set off after business hours.
According to Florida Statute 775.082, for a first-degree felony, the penalties are outlined as follows:
- A $10,000 fine.
- Maximum 30 years in prison.
- Maximum 30 years on probation.
Under the same statute, penalties for a secondary-degree felony of arson include:
- A $10,000 fine.
- Maximum 15 years in prison.
- Maximum 15 years on probation.
Additionally, if someone is either injured or killed in the arson attack, then the perpetrator is likely to have additional charges added to their original charge. If someone has suffered a minor injury from the arson attack, then this could be counted as a first-degree misdemeanor. However, if it is a serious injury, then this could be classed as a second-degree felony.
If you are worried about the severity of the potential penalties you could be facing for your arson charge, then it is time to call The Law Place. Our team of criminal defense attorneys is here to take away the stress and provide you with a strong defense in court. Call The Law Place today to begin your legal process.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
What Are the Additional Consequences of an Arson Conviction?
After a conviction has been made for an arson charge in Punta Gorda, then this criminal conviction will be open to the public. This means it can be very difficult for you to move forward with your life after serving your penalties. Aspects in your life you could potentially struggle with in the future include:
- Finding employment.
- Continuing education.
- Seeking child custody or visitation.
- Being approved for loans, mortgages, and other types of finance.
- Seeking certain licenses.
Our team here at The Law Place is here to represent you as your legal defense. Through this, they will do everything they can to lessen the potential penalties you could be facing in this arson conviction. They will make it their job to make your life as easy as possible following this ordeal.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
How Can a Lawyer Defend Against an Arson Charge?
After you have been accused of committing an arson charge in Punta Gorda, FL., you need to get legal representation quickly. By hiring a criminal defense attorney straight away, they will be able to get the right to work investigating your case. They will be able to question any evidence that is brought forward to be used against you in court. This may include interviewing witnesses, CCTV footage, fingerprints, and more. The sooner you acquire a criminal defense lawyer, the sooner they can build your criminal defense.
They could argue that:
- You have been falsely accused, and you did not start the fire.
- You unintentionally started the fire.
- You have been accused due to mistaken identity.
- The origin of the fire was not due to your actions, but rather there was an electrical issue or act of nature.
- The prosecution’s evidence is invalid or insufficient to prove that you committed arson.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
What Are Some Questions People Ask Before Hiring an Attorney From The Law Place?
Here at The Law Place, we understand that you are questioning whether it is a good idea to hire us. It is important when you are looking for the right criminal defense lawyer for you that you do your research first. If you have never needed a criminal defense lawyer before, then it will be a difficult choice for you to make when deciding what is the best for you.
It is a great idea to take advantage of the free initial consultations you will be offered by many law firms here in Punta Gorda, FL. When you are in these consultations, here are some questions we recommend you ask:
- Do you have experience dealing with arson cases?
- Have you helped people to escape penalties for arson?
- Have you successfully worked out plea agreements?
- How many jury trials have you litigated?
- What are your fees for criminal defense, and how do I pay?
- Can you provide me with references from previous clients?
So, if you want to find out what The Law Place can offer you in your case, schedule your free consultation today.
How Is The Law Place Different From Other Law Firms in Florida?
If you are facing an arson charge, then it is important you get the best representation you can. Here at The Law Place, we will listen to your side of the story and consider every detail so that we can attack any charges you face from every angle.
Our team of criminal defense lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience. Our lawyers leave no stone unturned, so you can trust that your defense case is in safe hands. The criminal defense lawyer assigned to your case will be 100% committed to your case and will take away the stress of having to deal with the legal system here in Florida.
Contact The Law Place Today!
When you are facing serious criminal charges such as arson, then it is vital you choose the best representation available to you. This decision will determine the severity of the charges you may face in the future.
Here at The Law Place, we have helped hundreds across Punta Gorda and the rest of Florida when dealing with these types of cases. Our law firm will do everything in its power to get the best outcome for your specific case.
We understand this will be a very stressful time for you as you face the Florida legal system, but that is why we are here to help.
Contact us today at (941) 444-4444, where our lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
