Arson is not taken lightly in Florida and can incur some very serious penalties. Anybody convicted of arson in this state, and all over the U.S., should expect very steep penalties that can have repercussions throughout their lives. This could include a permanent criminal record, expensive fines, and a long jail sentence. The severity of the charges depends entirely on the circumstances surrounding your case, for example, how much property damage was caused, how many people were injured, and the severity of those injuries. You should not expect to be treated leniently in court. Judges in Florida take arson cases that result in injury very seriously.
When facing a charge of arson resulting in injury, it is highly recommended to seek the help of an experienced Tampa, FL., arson lawyer. You should bear in mind that you will be held liable for all injuries caused by the fire. This is not limited to the people hurt by the initial blaze; it also extends to emergency service personnel. So, if you start a fire and the firefighter that comes to put it out is injured or killed, you will be held responsible and charged accordingly. This is explained in Florida Statute 806.031.
If you have been charged with arson resulting in injury, then call us today. The Law Place has a team of experienced criminal defense lawyers waiting to take your call. They have a wealth of experience that stretches over a wide range of practice areas. To book your free consultation with a Tampa personal injury lawyer today, just call (941) 444-4444 and speak to a member of our team,
How Is Arson Defined in Tampa, Florida?
According to Florida Statute 806.01, arson is defined as:
- Willfully and unlawfully damaging any dwelling or structure by fire or explosion, or the injury of any person by fire or explosion.
Charges such as these will not be taken lightly in Tampa. The state has a very low tolerance for anyone charged with arson, especially when resulting in injury. You could be facing very steep penalties, and things could get worse if you try to face them alone.
If you have been charged with the crime of arson resulting in injury, call our law firm today and enlist the help of a criminal defense lawyer. A member of our team will help you navigate all the jargon surrounding arson charges in Florida. They will determine exactly what charges you are facing and build the best defense possible.
What Are the Most Common Damages Caused by Arson in Tampa, FL?
It is not uncommon for arson to result in property damage, personal injury, and in some cases, wrongful death. Although you may not have intended to hurt anyone or damage anything, you could still be charged and face some very serious penalties. Below are some of the common damages caused by arson in Tampa, Florida:
- Structural damage – The heat from the flames is likely to weaken the structural integrity of the support beams in a building.
- Smoke damage – The smoke from the flames often damages the belongings inside the structure.
- Destruction of property – The fire may entirely destroy the victim’s belongings or even the entire structure.
Arson can have some serious financial repercussions for the victim. It often ends in personal injury as well as property damage. Below are some of the most common injuries caused by arson:
- Damage to the lungs as a result of smoke inhalation.
- Burns, cuts, lacerations, and permanent scarring.
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
- Wrongful death.
If you are charged with arson resulting in injury in Tampa, Florida, then you will need the help of a criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Place, we put your needs first and will do everything in our power to defend you in the upcoming case.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
What Are the Penalties Associated With Arson in Tampa, Florida?
The penalties you could be facing after being charged with arson can be very severe. They get considerably worse when resulting in injury.
- Arson resulting in injury – In Tampa, this is classed as a first-degree misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you will get a fine not exceeding $500 and a prison sentence of up to a year.
- Arson resulting in serious injury – If serious bodily harm has been caused as a result of arson, you could be convicted of a second-degree felony. The penalties for this are a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The State of Florida defines serious bodily harm as permanent disfigurement or disability.
- Arson committed by an individual with a criminal record – If you have at least two convictions for felonies on your criminal record and then get charged with arson, the penalties will be much more severe. Under Florida Statute 755.084, you will face enhanced penalties, a mandatory prison sentence, and you will be tried as a habitual offender.
If you are convicted of arson resulting in injury in the State of Florida, it could have some serious repercussions on your future prospects. All convictions for arson will be permanently added to your criminal record. This can affect your life in the future, as when you apply for a job or try to rent an apartment, you may be subject to a background check.
If you have been charged with arson resulting in injury in the State of Florida, you will need the help of an experienced arson lawyer. They will conduct an in-depth investigation into the facts surrounding your case and use them to build a solid defense.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Potential Defenses for Arson Resulting in Injury
Building a defense in an arson case can be challenging at the best of times. When dealing with arson resulting in injury, it is much more difficult. To be convicted of the crime of arson in Tampa, a prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you willfully and unlawfully set the fire with the intention of burning the structure and harming the person within. Below are some of the common defenses our attorneys may use:
- Innocence – If you are not the person that committed the crime, defending you will be much easier.
- Defensive alibi – If it can be proved that you were not at the site of the crime when it occurred, your attorney could get your case thrown out. This will require testimony from the person or persons you were with at the time.
- An accident – You may have set the fire unintentionally. If this is the case, you may still face penalties, but they may be more lenient if you appear genuine.
An attorney from The Law Place will do everything in their power to ensure that you are not convicted. They specialize in Arson cases and have a wealth of knowledge to draw from. Contact The Law Place today and let our team get to work defending your case.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
What Can a Tampa Defense Lawyer Do for You?
Upon calling The Law Place, a member of our team will offer you a free consultation, during which you will be asked a series of simple questions. This free consultation will help your attorney determine what charges you may be facing and figure out the best way to defend you against them. At the end of this meeting, you will be offered some obligation-free advice to aid you in making an informed decision. If you decide to enlist the help of one of our attorneys, we will launch a full-scale investigation into the events surrounding your case.
A member of our team will interview all witnesses and emergency service personnel. They will visit the crime scene and check CCTV footage in the surrounding area. No stone will be left unturned in the fight to defend you. We understand the need to meticulously gather evidence, and you can trust that we have your best interests at heart.
Our law firm values the relationship between an attorney and their client. We put your rights first and will do everything we can to aid you. That is why all of our meetings are protected by attorney-client privilege. You need not worry about divulging potentially incriminating facts about your case, as we are legal bound to keep it confidential.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you have been convicted of the crime of arson resulting in injury in the State of Florida, then do not hesitate to contact our law firm today. We will do everything we can to keep you out of prison. In the State of Florida, arson is taken extremely seriously and could result in you losing years of your life. At The Law Place, we strive to ensure you get a fair trial and that you have the proper representation.
Our attorneys have a combined experience of over 75 years, and we cover a wide range of practice areas. Do not waste time after being charged. Call The Law Place today and book a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We are aware of the severity of your charge and will do everything we can to defend you from the worst of the penalties.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444.
