Long Beach Arson Attorneys

Unfortunately, many individuals are charged with arson simply because they were in the wrong location at the wrong time. Arson is a serious criminal offense; even if you talked with someone who started a fire, you may be implicated in the crime, resulting in serious and often life-changing consequences. At The Justice Firm, our Long Beach criminal defense lawyers are committed to providing those under investigation or charged with the crime of arson with unsurpassed legal support and guidance. When you face serious criminal charges, we are the advocates who will vigorously defend you and do whatever is necessary to obtain the best possible result.

Arson is a crime that is aggressively prosecuted in California, and involves the willful or malicious setting of fire or burning or causing to be burned of any property, forest land, or structure. Those who aid or procure the burning of any such property/structure may also be found guilty of arson. The climate in our state is such that wildfires frequently burn out of control, one reason this offense is so vigorously prosecuted and punished. If suspected of arson, it is guaranteed that you will be thoroughly investigated by not only police and/or detectives, but arson investigators who are highly skilled as well. You must obtain capable, experienced legal counsel immediately in order to protect your freedom, legal rights, and future.

Arson is a felony offense, punishable by substantial prison time and other penalties, depending on the defendant's involvement or the precise crime he/she is charged with. California penal code section 451 defines the various types of arson offenses, along with the punishments given for those who are found guilty of committing those offenses. Below are examples of the consequences a person may expect to face when convicted of the crime of arson in Long Beach.

California's Penal Code Section 451(c) outlines the punishment for the felony crime of arson of forest land or a structure. If found guilty, this offense is punishable by a prison term of two, four, or six years. If convicted of simple arson of property under Penal Code Section 451(d), you may face a prison term of 16 months, or two/three years.

Great bodily injury as a result of arson will leave the defendant facing a prison term of five, seven, or nine years under California Penal Code Section 451(a). Under Penal Code Section 451(b), arson which results in a structure or property that is inhabited burning will result in a prison term of three, five, or eight years.

The most serious arson charge, aggravated arson, will leave the individual charged with the crime facing 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

Arson is one of the most serious criminal offenses an individual may be accused of, regardless of the type of arson involved. In order to avoid loss of freedom and possible ruin of your reputation or career, it is urgent that you consult with a qualified Long Beach arson defense lawyer.

A conviction for arson may leave you facing a substantial number of years in prison. You may have been wrongfully accused, or the incident may have been an accident, and completely unintentional. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case, having the support of a seasoned Long Beach criminal defense attorney is crucial to a good outcome. Contact The Justice Firm now at 310-914-2444 for a free consultation.