Orange County Arson Defense Attorneys
Arson
CASES WE HANDLE
Attorney Jeremy N. Goldman has substantial experience representing individuals charged with property crimes:
Although an arson crime is one of the rarer offenses seen in Orange County, it still occurs from time to time. Under California Penal Code 451, arson occurs when a person "willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land, or property." This broad definition applies to numerous situations, including the attempt to burn or the malicious act of burning a home, motor vehicle, aircraft, public building, or other personal property.
Because of the varying degree of financial and personal value property possesses, not to mention the possibility of physically hurting or even killing a person within a burning property or structure, serious consequences await those convicted of arson in Orange County and throughout the state of California. Arson of property is considered a felony in California and, if found guilty, an individual may have to serve six months or two to three years in state prison.
Based on the 2007 California Office of Attorney General crime report, 11,400 incidents of arson were reported, in which structural properties were targeted in 30.2 percent (3,438) of the offenses, mobile properties were affected in 35.2 percent (4,011) of the offenses, and other kinds of properties (timber, signs, fences, crops, etc.) were targeted in 34.7 percent (3,951) of the offenses. As a result of these arson crimes, an estimated total of $223,145,000 worth of damage was done. In some cases, the motive for an arson offense may be determined as the intent to defraud, hide evidence of another crime, or deceitfully attempting to claim insurance benefits.
Other property offenses in addition to arson include:
An individual accused of arson that causes great bodily injury to a person may be charged with a felony in California, and serve a state prison term of five, seven, or nine years. A similar felony conviction and sentence of three, five, or eight years looms over a person charged with arson that caused an inhabited property or structure to burn. A person may also face two, four, or six years in prison if found guilty of arson of a structure or forest land. One can only imagine the challenges and harsh penalties a person faces when charged with arson in connection to a death caused by the fire or explosion. For example, a man who was convicted of an arson offense that killed five firefighters was sentenced to death as a result.
At the Law Offices of Jeremy N. Goldman, our dedicated and skilled Orange County arson defense lawyers have the knowledge and resources that are required to provide quality and efficient defense for any arson crime, no matter how minor or severe. For over 14 years, Jeremy N. Goldman has used his experience in criminal defense to defend the rights of those charged with a variety of crimes. It is our firm's strong belief that every citizen is entitled to their Constitutional rights and deserves a fair trial despite societal scorn for the degree of the offense accused of. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
