Grant Schwarz, Broward County Arson Defense Attorney, is dedicated to protecting the rights of the criminally accused, including those charged with the very serious felony of arson. A conviction for arson can lead to a long prison sentence, and various other serious consequences. To make sure that your rights as a criminal defendant are properly protected, you need to hire an arson defense attorney from Attorney Grant Schwarz as soon as possible. Whether you are facing charges in state or federal court, we are ready to take the necessary actions to defend you.
Florida Statute 806.01 Defines Arson and its penalties:
To be found guilty of arson, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you caused a fire or explosion that included these facts:
Willfully and unlawfully or while in the commission of any felony, by fire or explosion, damages or causes to be damaged:
- Any dwelling, whether occupies or not, or its contents
- Any structure, or contents thereof, where persons are normally present, or
- Any other structure that he or she knew had reasonable grounds to believe was occupied by a human being.
As used in this chapter, “structure” means any building of any kind, any enclosed area with a roof over it, any real property and appurtenances thereto, any tent or other portable building, and any vehicle, vessel, watercraft, or aircraft.
Malicious intent is the most important element in any Arson case. The State cannot simply charge you with Arson because a home, car or other structure caught fire and you were present. There must be actual intent to cause the fire and damage caused by the fire or explosion. Accidental fires occur all the time without charges being filed. The Police, Fire Department and State Attorney’s Office will look at the entire set of facts and circumstances when determining whether there was malicious intent. It is extremely important that you hire an experienced Arson Defense Attorney like Grant Schwarz to begin building your defense and fighting these charges.
Fighting the Penalties of a Criminal Conviction
Arson is a First Degree Felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison along with fines of up to $10,000.00. In addition to jail, prison, community control or probation, the lifetime effect of having a felony conviction on your criminal record will essentially destroy your personal and professional reputation, and put major roadblocks in your ability to get a job or find a place to live. The most important thing you can do when facing a charge of Arson in Broward is to hire an experienced, skilled and aggressive Arson criminal defense attorney.
Contact a Broward County Arson Defense Attorney
We have the experience, skills and resources to defend your Arson charges. Contact Grant Schwarz at the office of Attorney Grant Schwarz to start building your defense and fighting back against the police and the state. Call any time day or night 800-403-3887. or email to [email protected]
