What Is Arson And What Is The Penalty?
– JL, Texas
Answer:
Arson is defined as starting a fire or creating an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage vegetation, fence or structure on open land or any building, vehicle or habitation. This means someone can be charged with arson for setting fire to anything from open grassland to a person’s home.
It does not matter if the fire goes out on it’s own. The penalty range depends on the amount of damage done and whether someone is injured or killed. If a fire or explosion is caused by the creation of illegal drugs, that can be charged as arson as well.
If no one is injured and the damage is to vegetation, fence or structure on open land, then it’s a state jail felony punishable by six months to two years in the state jail. If it’s a building, vehicle or habitation and someone is injured or dies, the penalty can be from five years to ninety-nine years or life in prison.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for Arson, pick up the phone and call – and get your questions answered for free by a Criminal Lawyer in Austin with almost 2 decades of experience.
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