Arson and Explosive Device Crimes
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reports thousands of arson incidents every year. In Louisiana, the definition of simple Arson is when there is willful and intentional damage to another party's property, either by using explosives or by setting a fire without the consent of the affected party.
Arson may also be charged criminally when a person while attempting to commit, or while committing, another felony crime unintentionally and accidentally starts a fire or causes an explosion.
If you were charged with arson, you may not have had the intent to commit a crime or even believed that your behavior was criminal. It can be advantageous to work with an attorney to avoid the harsh penalties that can come with an arson conviction.
An arson criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy so you can secure the best possible outcome under the circumstances. Depending on the case facts, it could be possible to lessen your charges or have your charges dropped. Innocent people do get brought into the justice system through incomplete investigations and false accusations.
At the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams, LLC, our skilled and competent arson criminal defense attorney has represented many individuals charged with the most serious crimes.
For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams.
Louisiana Arson Crime
Aggravated Arson is charged when there is the intentional use of explosives or fire setting to any structure, vessel, or vehicle where it is reasonable to believe that human life would be harmed.
Injury by Arson is charged when there is the intentional use of explosives or fire setting to any structure, vessel, or vehicle when either:
A person sustains severe physical harm.
A first responder who comes to assist and is at the scene sustains an injury.
Simple Arson of a Religious Building is charged when there is the intentional use of explosives or fire setting to a religious structure or a place used for religious purposes.
Negligent Arson is charged when a building is damaged by the intentional use of explosives or fire setting without the owner's consent.
Louisiana Arson Penalties
Simple Arson that causes damage costing $500 or more can result in fines of up to $15,000 and imprisonment with hard labor for up to 15 years.
Simple Arson that leads to damages costing less than $500 will come with fines of up to $2,500 and imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to five years.
Injury by Arson can result in fines of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for a minimum of six years and up to 20 years.
Simple Arson of a Religious Building can result in a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment with hard labor for a minimum of two years and up to 15 years.
Negligent Arson's first conviction can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
A second negligent arson conviction can result in a fine of up to $2,000, restitution for damages sustained, and imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to two years.
Arson that leads to injuries or death also comes with high fines, restitution payments, and imprisonment.
Call An Experienced Louisiana Arson and Explosive Device Crimes Defense Attorney Today.
Protecting your rights and freedoms from the most grievous penalties when you have been charged with Arson in Louisiana is Attorney Adams' top priority.
If you were charged with an arson crime in Louisiana, you need a committed and experienced arson and explosive device criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams today for a case evaluation.