Arson is to attempt or carry out the act of setting fire to a property. Creating fires that destroy homes, businesses, and potentially lives is very serious and so are the accusations.
Sometimes, judgements can be made about the cause of the fire without thorough investigation or a fair trial. If you or a loved one are accused of arson, you need to understand the potential charges and penalties.
Want to leave more details for your specific situation? Get a free consultation from a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
At AMA Law, a dedicated Oklahoma City arson lawyer will fight to protect your rights and your future. Our skilled legal professionals collect and present evidence that could lead a judge to lower the degree of the charge or even drop it altogether.
Arson is generally an intent-based crime, but there are also instances where it can be an act of negligence. In the context of fires, negligence could be when a person knows they are dealing with flammable materials but fails to handle such items with care. As a result, a fire is started, which leads to property damage, injury to another, or loss of life.
This can happen when a person is handling explosives or manufacturing illegal drugs. It is also important to note that in Oklahoma, a person could be convicted of attempted arson, conspiracy to commit arson, as well as completed arson. An experienced Oklahoma City arson attorney could explain the types of potential charges more thoroughly during an initial consultation. State law divides arson into four different categories based on the degree.
Requires a person to “willfully and maliciously” cause a fire to a building or detonate a device causing such fire, which destroys the structure and causes “a person to be burned” (21 Oklahoma Statutes § 21-1401).
Similar to first degree, but it is distinct in that the destroyed building can either have individuals in it or be “inhabited” for a person to be charged with this offense (21 OK Stat § 21-1402).
Pertains mainly to the burning or property “worth not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00)” that belongs to the person that is accused of setting the fire or some other individual (21 OK Stat § 21-1403). This specifically refers to the destruction of farmlands, forests, cars of all types, and mobile homes.
This is attempted arson (21 OK Stat § 21-1404).
Individuals charged with any form of arson could use the help of a qualified defense lawyer in Oklahoma City. A seasoned legal professional could carefully review the facts of a specific case and help resolve the situation by advocating for a reduction, alternative punishment, or a dismissal of the charges.
The punishments a person can face for arson convictions in Oklahoma include lengthy jail sentences and hefty fines. The penalties for each of the four degrees of arson are as follows:
The consequences of any arson conviction are severe and could alter a person’s life forever. Therefore, anyone facing these charges should retain a well-practiced arson lawyer in Oklahoma City as soon as possible.
Call now or visit our office for an initial consultation with an Oklahoma City arson lawyer at AMA Law. We could review your case and provide you with sound legal advice and guidance. Our team of committed legal professionals will do everything we can to protect your best interests and fight for your rights.