Arson is a serious allegation that a person purposely started a fire. Due to the significant damages frequently associated with an allegation of arson, it is important to consult with an arson attorney in Brooklyn immediately. Doing so may help minimize the chances of a conviction and can help you avoid critical penalties that could influence the rest of your life. There is a lot on the line in New York when you are accused of arson.
Many New York police departments have specialized units for handling arson cases. These officers often work side by side with investigators and fire marshals from the fire department. In addition, district attorney offices throughout Brooklyn and the rest of New York have highly trained prosecutors and specialized units that will handle arson cases exclusively.
The police will do everything in their power to investigate this issue and to come up with evidence that will help to convict you. Since arson involves setting fire to property intentionally, it is a serious allegation and one that you should respond to promptly by hiring a Brooklyn arson lawyer.
The volatile nature of fire and the potential for people to die or to suffer life changing injuries means that arson is usually classified as a felony rather than a misdemeanor in Brooklyn. Some of the cases of arson in Brooklyn involve claims that the person purposely set fire to recover money for insurance purposes or to cover up a crime that had already been committed on their property.
If you’re not sure what to do to protect yourself, you’re not alone. Most people facing any kind of criminal charge, like a gun crime or grand larceny, will be unsure of how to handle an allegation of a crime. If this is you, it’s important to remember that you are still in control of the situation even if it does not feel like it. Getting legal representation sooner gives you higher chances of successfully defending your rights and future, so don’t wait to make the call. Never let anyone talk you out of getting a lawyer.
Fifth-degree arsonFifth-degree arson is a misdemeanor in New York. A person convicted can receive an alternative sentence or up to a year in jail. This is the simplest of arson cases, usually involving property damage caused by a fire or explosion.
Fourth-degree arsonAn E felony in New York, the minimum punishment is one to three years in jail and maximum of four years in jail. A judge can also impose an alternative sentence based on his or her discretion. This is usually charged when a person acts in a reckless manner and causes damage to a building or motor vehicle by intentionally causing an explosion or starting a fire.
Third-degree arsonThe minimum punishment for this class C felony is one to three years in jail with a maximum of 15 years in jail. This is usually charged when a person intentionally damages a motor vehicle or building by starting an explosion or fire.
Second-degree arsonThe minimum punishment for this B violent felony in Brooklyn is five years’ jail with a maximum of 25 years’ jail. This is usually charged when a person intentionally damages a building or motor vehicle by starting a fire knowing there was a reasonable possibility a person was inside.
First-degree arsonAn A-1 felony in New York has a minimum penalty of 15 years to life and a maximum punishment of 25 years to life, in addition to the elements present in the second degree. Additional circumstances include the use of an incendiary or explosive device, financial gain and serious injury to another person.
It is imperative to share your concerns with a Brooklyn arson attorney as soon as possible if you are facing an arson charge. There are several different common defenses to charges of arson but sharing the facts of your arrest as well as of the fire itself can help your arson lawyer in Brooklyn to evaluate the case and come up with a comprehensive strategy to assist you. Some of the most common defenses to an arson charge include insufficient evidence, fires with natural causes, and lack of proof of intent.