If you've been arrested for arson, you need to call an arson lawyer with the right knowledge. Contact us for a free consultation!
Arson is committed when someone intentionally sets fire to a building, a vehicle, or any other kind of property with the intent of causing damage. When it comes to being charged with arson, complete destruction or extensive damage is not required in order to be convicted. In fact, minor damage to someone's personal property is enough to be charged with this crime.
Setting a fire has the potential to cause a great deal of destruction to property. Besides just that, it can also cause injury to people or animals on the scene and even loss of life. For this reason, every state has severe penalties for anyone who commits arson, especially the state of Rhode Island.
Potential Penalties for Arson Charges in Rhode Island
It should come as no surprise that arson is a crime that is taken very seriously. It's considered quite a serious felony offense, which ranks alongside other crimes such as murder, robbery, and kidnapping. If you're facing an arson charge, it's not to be taken lightly because the penalties you face can be devastating.
Setting fire to an occupied building will leave you facing charges for arson in the first degree. If you've been convicted of arson in the first degree, you could be facing anywhere from five years to a life sentence in prison. Not only that, but you'll be left to pay exorbitant fines and you even face various other penalties. The felony conviction you'll have on your criminal record can also make it difficult for you to secure employment and housing in the future.
If the arson was committed on an unoccupied building, it will be deemed arson in the second degree. If you're convicted of this act, you could face anywhere between two and 20 years in prison. Although Rhode Island considers the arson of a home more severe than the arson of an unoccupied building, the penalties are still quite hefty.
Alternatively, you can also be charged with arson if you set fire to your own property and then attempt to make an insurance claim. Besides just the arson charge, you'll also be facing penalties for insurance fraud. No matter what type of arson has been committed, you'll need an experienced arson lawyer to fight these charges for you.
Why You Need a Rhode Island Arson Lawyer
Although it may seem like all hope is lost if you're facing arson charges, it's still imperative that you speak to a lawyer immediately. You need someone who is an experienced, skilled arson lawyer to take on your case. The right lawyer will know the best defensive strategies to use in the court room and will work tirelessly to minimize the effect this kind of felony conviction could have on your personal life.
If you hope to achieve a favorable outcome in the court room, the best thing you can do is to seek representation from a qualified attorney right away. You don't want to wait because you need someone to start working for you as soon as possible. It's essential that you choose someone who has dealt with arson cases before and has a proven track record of getting successful results for clients. Although that's never a guarantee of your own results, it'll surely give you a better chance when your case goes to court.