Arson is the crime of deliberately setting woodlands or man-made structures aflame. The motivations for acts of arson are many, but two of the most common reasons are acts of malice or revenge and attempts at collecting on insurance. Those two reasons are sometimes treated differently under the law, but regardless of the circumstances, a conviction for arson is a felony conviction.
Sometimes people commit arson as an attempt at revenge on another person. The intent of this type of arson is sometimes to harm the targeted person, although often the desired result is simply the destruction of the person’s business or home. Catching someone’s car on fire also counts as arson under Florida law, because the legal definition of “structure” includes boats, vehicles, and temporary structures in addition to more typical buildings.
Other times arsonists start a fire out of pyromania. Some people have a dangerous compulsion to start fires, which in some cases can lead to deaths. Forest fires that are started intentionally are often acts of this sort, although in some cases there can be an agenda at work. The Florida statutes on criminal arson do not discuss wildfires, perhaps because of the rarity of fires in much of Florida, but any intentional fire is potentially punishable as arson.
Being convicted of arson has many negative consequences. Arson is a felony, ordinarily one in the first degree. A felony conviction can lead to lengthy jail time and can adversely affect someone’s future employability and quality of life. Should anyone be harmed by the fire, manslaughter or similar charges can be brought against the accused arsonist as well.
If you have been charged with arson, you deserve the help of the experienced Boca Raton criminal defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates. Everyone charged with a crime is entitled to legal defense, and for serious charges like arson, the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney is invaluable. To discuss your case with a lawyer, call Eric N. Klein & Associates today.
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