In Florida, arson is considered a very serious crime and goes hand in hand with some very serious penalties. If you are convicted of arson in South Bradenton, you could be facing expensive fines, a long stay in prison, and a permanent criminal record. The penalties following a conviction are entirely dependent on the circumstances surrounding your case, how badly the property was damaged, how many people were hurt, and the severity of their injuries. You could find yourself in a bad situation very quickly. That is why it is important to have proper representation.
Our law firm has a great team of Bradenton, FL., criminal defense attorneys waiting to take your case. Having a criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in cases like these. When your case goes to trial, you will want a defense lawyer by your side. We will go over every detail of your case and use the information gathered to form a solid defense.
If you have been charged with arson in South Bradenton, Florida, then please call us today at (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so an experienced criminal defense attorney will be waiting to take your call.
What Is Classed as Arson Under Florida Law?
In accordance with Florida Statute 806.01, arson is the act of ‘willfully or unlawfully’ using fire or explosions to damage property or injure an individual. These offenses are taken very seriously in Bradenton, FL., so if you are convicted, you will be facing some very serious penalties. You should not take these charges lightly. They can alter the course of your life. Seeking the proper representation could be vital to keep you out of prison.
Here are some of the structures most commonly damaged in arson cases in Bradenton, FL.:
- Shops.
- Places of worship, such as churches or mosques.
- Schools and similar education centers.
- Hospitals and similar healthcare centers, including nursing homes and care homes.
- Jails.
According to Florida law, a building of any size or an enclosed area with a roof over it will be classed as a structure, and you will be charged with arson if you burn it down. The term ‘structure’ is very broad in Florida law. It can even encompass cars, boats, and tents. Do not take your charges lightly. Seek the help of a Bradenton criminal defense attorney today.
What Are the Most Common Damages and Injuries Caused by Arson in Bradenton, FL?
The act of arson often ends in property damage, personal injury, and sometimes even death. While none of these outcomes may have been intended, you could be charged and convicted for them nonetheless. Below are some of the most common damages caused by arson:
- Structural damage – The heat from the flames may have weakened the integrity of the structure.
- Smoke damage – The belongings of the person whose property was burned may have to be replaced due to smoke damage.
- Destruction of personal property – The fire may have destroyed the personal property of the victim.
Here are some common injuries caused by arson in Bradenton:
- Damage to the lungs due to smoke inhalation.
- Burns, cuts, lacerations, and scarring.
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma.
- Wrongful death.
If your charges include any of these, then contact a Bradenton criminal defense lawyer and arrange a free consultation today.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What Are the Penalties Associated With Arson in Bradenton?
There are various penalties for arson charges in Bradenton, which depend on the severity of your charges and the information surrounding the case. Below are examples of penalties you may face for different charges following a conviction:
- Arson resulting in bodily harm – This is classed as a first-degree misdemeanor in Bradenton. If you are found guilty and convicted, you will be facing a fine not exceeding $500 and a prison sentence of up to one year.
- Arson resulting in serious bodily harm – In Bradenton, this is classed as a second-degree felony, and as such, you could be facing a fine not exceeding $10,000 and up to fifteen years in prison. Serious bodily harm is defined as permanent disability or disfigurement, so the penalties are much more severe.
- Arson committed by someone with a criminal record – If you have prior convictions of at least two felonies and then get convicted of an arson charge, you will be facing much harsher penalties.
The penalties associated with arson are very steep and can have a serious impact on your future prospects. All convictions will permanently be on your criminal record. This means when you apply for a job or attempt to rent a house, your record will be checked, and you will likely run into difficulty. A criminal defense lawyer from The Law Place will be able to look over the details of your case and determine which of these penalties you may be facing. Using this information, they will build a solid defense and do everything in their power to keep you out of jail.
Do not hesitate to contact us today. One of our Bradenton criminal defense attorneys will be waiting to take your call. Come in for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and get the ball rolling.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You?
We are aware of how important cases such as these are to an individual. So, we advise doing the proper research before deciding which law firm to choose. Deciding on a criminal defense attorney can be a difficult process, so here are some of the things The Law Place can offer you.
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience, and all of our criminal defense lawyers work together to ensure you benefit from this. We value the rights of our clients and work hard to foster attorney-client relationships built on trust, with our meetings fully protected by attorney-client privileges. We will fight for you every step of the way throughout your case and be right by your side until the end of the trial.
Once you contact our firm, we will offer you a free consultation, within which we will discuss the details of your case and determine exactly what charges you are facing. Following this, we will arrange an in-depth interview to gather all of the information we can. We will then launch an investigation into your case and meticulously compile any evidence that may help us beat the charges.
You can feel safe in the knowledge that The Law Place has your best interests at heart and will do whatever is needed to keep you from spending years behind bars.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. How Much Will a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost You?
It is hard to say what the costs will be before learning the details of the case. Every case is different and requires a different amount of work and expertise. Following your free consultation, a criminal defense attorney from our firm will determine what the costs will be.
We strive for transparency in our fee structure. Therefore, we will give you an overview of our fees upfront, and outline all of our costs, so you don’t receive any surprise bills.
Contact The Law Place Today!
If you have been charged with arson in Bradenton, it is important that you take the charges seriously and enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Arrange a free consultation with us today, and we will do everything in our power to defend you from the worst of the penalties. Our criminal defense attorneys have a wealth of experience when it comes to arson cases and are well versed in the law surrounding them.
Call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444. A Bradenton criminal defense lawyer is waiting to take your call.
