Arson is treated the most seriously out of all of the property crimes in Bradenton, Florida. If you are convicted, you will be facing some extremely severe punishments for your crime. No matter what the situation, arson is always treated as a felony in Florida; it is just a matter of what degree and whether there will be any additional misdemeanor charges.
Felony crimes carry the highest jail terms and fines and can ruin the rest of your life. This is why it is absolutely vital that you seek the aid of a Bradenton criminal defense attorney that has a record for having charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
This decision could be one of the most important in your life and should not be taken lightly. Here at The Law Place, we have a whole team of skilled, knowledgable attorneys who have a wealth of experience in fighting from both sides of the courtroom. They will be able to form the strongest possible defense for your case and could have your charges dropped or reduced.
Your best chance of this happening is if you get in touch with us as early as possible. The sooner, the better. Our number is (941) 444-4444 and is always manned. Call us now for a free consultation.
How Is Arson Defined?
In Bradenton, arson is defined by Florida Statute 806.01 as the unlawful and willing damage of a property through fire or explosive means. Charges are usually more serious if the property has a high probability of containing human life.
Some property types that could be included are:
- Jails.
- Nursing homes.
- Health care facilities.
- Churches
- Schools.
- Shops.
- Hospitals.
For abandoned buildings or buildings that have a very low chance of human habitation, the charges are slightly reduced if there are no injuries.
What Are the Punishments for Arson?
Due to the serious nature of arson, the punishments for being convicted in Bradenton are severe. Arson in Florida is always classified as a felony, so the punishments always carry the potential for a lengthy period in jail.
The classification of a felony will depend on the circumstances of the crime. If arson was committed to a building where human occupation was very likely, the felony would most likely be classed as first-degree. This is usually the case for properties such as houses, tents, and campervans.
If the arson was committed to another structure type, is the usual punishment is a second-degree felony as long as there were no other injuries.
If someone has been injured, there could be additional charges added to the felony charge. Serious injuries could add a first-degree misdemeanor, and less serious injuries will usually add a second-degree misdemeanor.
If you are convicted of a first-degree felony, your Bradenton criminal defense lawyer could be defending you from a lifetime in prison and a large fine. Second-degree felonies can carry charges up to 30 years in jail.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
Further Consequences of an Arson Conviction
As well as the jail time and the fines, there are a number of other consequences of being charged with arson.
You will find it difficult to seek employment and get loans or mortgages. It may also be hard to seek certain licenses that most people take for granted. If you have children, you may also find it difficult to get visitation or custody rights.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Defending Against Arson Charges
First and foremost, your best defense against arson charges is contacting a skilled Bradenton criminal defense lawyer, like those here at The Law Place, as soon as physically possible. The quicker you call us and explain the situation, the sooner we can give you the best possible advice on what to do, how to act, and what to say to law enforcement to protect your chances of a fair trial.
The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can begin to build your defense. There is a range of different angles we could take. We could argue that you didn’t start the fire, that it was started by an electrical fault or someone else, or that you have been wrongly accused. We could also look into the evidence to see if it is sufficient enough to assume guilt.
Meet the Bradenton Arson Lawyer Team
David Haenel uses his trial background to challenge fire investigation evidence and question prosecutorial assumptions. Darren Finebloom is an aggressive negotiator who works to reduce penalties in serious felony cases. AnneMarie Rizzo provides stability and clarity, ensuring clients understand the complex forensic details often involved in arson defense.
Client Reviews
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“David Haenel cross-examined the fire marshal and exposed major flaws in their report.” – E.P.
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“AnneMarie Rizzo helped me stay calm when I thought I was facing decades in prison.” – T.R.
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“Darren Finebloom never backed down from the prosecutor — he got my charges reduced.” – J.A.
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“The Law Place worked as a team and gave me the best possible defense.” – N.C.
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“They treated me with respect and fought harder than I imagined anyone would.” – W.B.
Local Resources in Bradenton
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Centerstone Bradenton – Counseling services for individuals under stress of criminal charges.
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Step Up Suncoast – Provides community resources and support for families.
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Licensed Bail Bond Agents – Help arrange pre-trial release on arson-related charges.
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Manatee County Reentry Services – Assists with employment and reentry support after incarceration.
FAQs
How does Florida define arson?
Arson is the willful and unlawful burning of a dwelling, structure, or vehicle. Intent is a key element, and prosecutors must prove the defendant deliberately set the fire.
What are the penalties for arson in Florida?
First-degree arson can bring up to 30 years in prison and heavy fines. Second-degree arson carries up to 15 years in prison. Penalties are especially severe if injury occurred.
Can accidental fires be charged as arson?
No. If the fire was accidental and there was no intent, it should not qualify as arson. However, prosecutors sometimes push charges aggressively, requiring strong defense evidence.
What defenses exist for arson charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, faulty or biased fire investigations, and evidence that the fire’s cause was accidental or undetermined.
How do investigators prove arson?
They rely on forensic fire analysis, accelerant detection, and witness statements. A defense lawyer may bring in independent experts to challenge these findings.
Why is a defense lawyer vital in arson cases?
Because arson evidence is often technical and based on interpretation, having an attorney who understands fire investigations ensures the state’s conclusions are properly challenged.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at The Law Place Today
When the only thing stopping you from a potential jail sentence is your attorney, you should make sure that you hire the right one. Here at The Law Place, we have a long history spanning a combined 75 years. We have dealt with numerous cases just like yours and have won better sentences for our clients as well as a number of dismissed cases.
When you hire us, you will not only gain a single attorney but a team of compassionate and skilled lawyers who are ready to work together on your case. We fight with aggression and will not rest until everything that can be done for you is done and quickly.
We make sure our phone lines are on every hour, every day of the year, so don’t hesitate to call us today at (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation and legal advice.
