Riverside County Criminal Defense Against Arson Charges
Arson charges are brought against a person if it is believed they willfully or maliciously set fire to, caused burns, or caused to be burned, or if the person aids in or procures the burning of a structure, forest land, or property. Intent, malice, and recklessness play a huge part in arson charges and will be equally integral to your defense strategy. If you face arson charges in Riverside County, you need criminal defense Attorney Natalie Reich.
Attorney Natalie Reich provides dedicated guidance, compassion, and aggressive defense strategy for clients facing arson charges. Natalie Reich’s experience as a former prosecutor gives her a unique, beneficial perspective on how the prosecution builds its strategy. With this information, she can build a stronger, more solid defense strategy. For criminal defense in arson cases in Riverside County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles, call Natalie Reich Law. We answer your call 24/7.
Types of Arson Charges in California
Arson charges can vary depending on the circumstances of the fire and the extent of the damages.
Types of charges in California may include:
- Aggravated arson: this charge applies to setting a fire with intent to cause serious harm, death, or significant property damage
- Arson with injury: this charge applies when a fire is set to cause significant physical harm to another person
- First-degree arson: this charge applies when a fire is set to an occupied building or home
- Second-degree arson: this charge applies when a fire is set to an unoccupied building
- Third-degree arson: this charge applies when fire or explosives are used to intentionally damage or destroy a habitable structure
- Residential arson: this charge applies to intentionally damaging a building or structure that is someone else’s dwelling (home)
Penalties and Consequences of Arson Charge Conviction in California
There are three main factors that determine the consequences and penalties of an arson charge conviction: the property involved, the severity of the crime, and the extent of the damage.
Penalties for arson may include:
- Imprisonment in a state prison
- Imprisonment in a federal prison
- Fines
- Probation
Defenses Against Arson Charges
The prosecution in arson cases must be able to prove that the defendant’s illegal act was committed with intent to damage or harm using fire or explosives, while the defendant knew what they were doing and acted without coercion. The defense will work to dispel these beliefs and find the holes in the prosecutorial strategy.
Defenses in arson cases may include but are not limited to:
- Defendant caused the fire, but it was an accident
- Defendant was intoxicated during the event
- Lack of intent
- False accusations
- Defendant has an alibi
- Lack of evidence
Professional Arson Attorney in Riverside County
Criminal defense in arson cases is much more than the strategy used in the trial. Your arson defense lawyer can provide vital guidance through the judicial process, compassion while you are navigating the system, and a voice when you are in court. Attorney Natalie Reich offers clients the crucial guidance and help needed when facing such serious charges. Trust Natalie Reich Law to provide the defense you need.
