According to California law, there are several categories of arson. All of them are serious and if you want the best possible outcome, you should contact an experienced arson attorney. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we have handled arson and other criminal cases for many years. Read to learn about potential defense options for this charge and then contact us at (949) 585-9055 to schedule your free consultation.

Types of arson in California

The first thing that must be taken into consideration when finding the best defense method is the type of arson you are charged with. If you are convicted of arson of a structure or of forest land, then the potential consequences include conviction of a felony that can be sentenced with two, four, or six years in prison. If you are charged with simple arson of property that is not your own, then you could be facing a felony conviction that comes with 16 months, two years, or three years in prison.

Further, a charge of arson that caused great bodily injury is a felony that can result in imprisonment for at least five years but up to nine years – and that’s without potential sentencing enhancements. If you are convicted of arson of an inhabited structure but there are no injuries then the results can be three, five, or eight years in prison. An aggravated arson results in at least years in prison and as long as a life sentence.

Potential defense options to a charge of arson

First and foremost, or goal will be to argue either that the fire was an accident or that there is not enough evidence to link you to the fire. If we can prove either, then we could get the charges dropped. We will also closely examine the evidence against you to ensure it was legally obtained. If it was not, or if there were procedural errors, then we may be able to have evidence dismissed – which can lead to a case dismissal.

In the event there is a wealth of evidence against you, then we may work to find the best possible plea deal. This could involve showing the prosecutor that you did not have malicious intent but instead simply acted recklessly. Depending on the specifics of the case, this could potentially result in a reduction of charges to a misdemeanor. This not only comes with a lighter sentence but makes the chances of future expungement much higher.

Call today for a free legal consultation

If you have been charged with or accused of arson then you should contact an attorney sooner rather than later. When you reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we can provide a free consultation. We will look at the evidence against you, the alleged crime, and your criminal background. We can then advise you on the likely options and how you can proceed. Call us at (949) 585-9055 now to get started.