Source: http://samuelmontesino.com/arson/
Timestamp: 2019-03-21 14:09:18
Document Index: 256337674

Matched Legal Cases: ['§806', '§806', '§806', '§806', '§806', '§806', '§806']

Arson - Samuel Montesino
2161 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd #307, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409
2161 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 307
info@samuelmontesino.com
Samuel Montesino
Premiere Attorney for West Palm Beach
Write a Reiveiw
Practice AreasService Overview
ClientsClient Dashboard
Arson is the offense of setting fire to a dwelling, structure, vehicle or other form of property. Arson is considered a violent crime and a conviction for first degree arson can potentially result in a 30 year prison sentence.
If you were charged with arson it is crucial to retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will provide a vigorous and effective defense while pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
For more than 20 years Attorney Samuel Montesino has represented several hundred clients charged with serious Arson felonies and misdemeanors.
WHAT DOES FLORIDA LAW SAY ABOUT ARSON?
Florida Arson Statute §806.01
Florida’s arson statute is detailed in Chapter 806 of the Florida Statutes, Arson and Criminal Mischief.
Florida Statute §806.01, Arson:
First Degree Arson – Arson Statute §806.01 Explained
For the state to meet its burden it must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:
Willfully and unlawfully caused a fire or explosion, or,
Caused a fire or explosion during the commission of a felony;
Damaged an occupied or unoccupied dwelling or its contents; or,
The defendant caused a fire or explosion to a structure such as a hospital, store or church during normal hours of occupancy when people are normally present; or,
The defendant caused a fire or explosion to any structure that s/he had reasonable grounds to believe was occupied by a person.
If the act of arson results in the death of another, additional serious charges such as murder may be added. A conviction for first degree arson can potentially result in a 30 year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
A second degree arson charge must prove that the defendant:
While committing a felony,
Damaged a structure belonging to himself or herself or another,
Under circumstances not referred to in first degree arson.
A conviction for second degree arson can potentially result in a prison sentence of 15 years and a fine up to $10,000.
The term structure is defined by statute and includes:
Any building of any kind
Any enclosed area with a roof over it
Any real property and appurtenances thereto (e.g., shed, hot tub, pool)
Portable buildings, tents
Vehicles, vessels, watercraft or aircraft
After a fire, law enforcement and fire officials often work together in a shared investigation. Unless a witness was present or evidence or specific information emerges, the prosecution may only be able to prosecute the case with limited circumstantial evidence.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will challenge the evidence and pursue reasonable doubt. As well, there are various procedural challenges that may result in the suppression and exclusion of evidence. Discuss your case with Attorney Olson for specific information.
Other Arson-Related Offenses
The Florida Statutes proscribe several other arson-related crimes, including:
§806.031 – Arson resulting in injury to another
§806.10 – Preventing or obstructing extinguishment of fire
§806.101 – False alarms of fires
§806.111 – Fire bombs
Samuel J. Montesino, P.A.
2161 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd Suite 307
© 2016 All Rights Reserved Samuel J. Montesino, P.A. | WebApp Developed by The Center of AdVertising | Legal Disclaimer | Avvo.com Attorney Rating | Rated BestTrialLawyerWestPalm.com