Boulder Arson Defense Attorney
At any level, a conviction for arson can have a significant impact on your life. Our team at Dolan + Zimmerman LLP provides the aggressive, personalized representation that our clients need in the face of arson charges. Contact us today for a consultation.
Why Choose Our Team?
- Our Boulder criminal defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story, investigate the facts of your case, and then carefully lay out effective options for your defense.
- We develop the strongest defense strategies by utilizing our team’s collective talents to review cases from every angle.
- We understand the impact an arson charge can have on your life and make it a priority to protect your privacy.
What Is Arson?
Arson occurs when a person intentionally damages any structure or building by causing a fire or an explosion while a building is occupied. However, even if the person setting the fire owns the building or knows that it is vacant, they can face felony charges. Arson cases are often investigated by elite law enforcement units who use advanced chemical analysis to pinpoint the origin of a fire and the most likely contributing factors to the fire’s ignition and spread.
The police will also determine if the act was committed in retaliation or to conceal another crime. Because arson can cause significant financial damage and/or bodily harm, law enforcement will frequently utilize its entire arsenal of tools and personnel in pursuit of prosecuting these crimes.
Punishments for Arson
There are four different degrees of arson charges in Colorado:
First Degree Arson
When a person knowingly sets fire to or uses an explosive to burn, damage, or destroy a building or occupied structure without consent. First-degree arson is treated as a Class 3 felony, carrying a presumptive sentence of 4 to 12 years in prison.
Second Degree Arson
When an individual burns or uses explosives to damage or destroy another person’s property without consent. The definition is similar to first-degree arson, except that second-degree can involve any type of property rather than a building or occupied structure. Depending on the damage caused, this crime can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. When treated as a felony, it is a Class 4 felony, carrying a presumptive sentence of 2 to 6 years in prison. If the damage is under $100, it is a class 2 misdemeanor, carrying a possible one-year county jail sentence.
Third Degree Arson
A person uses fire or explosives to destroy any property with the intent to defraud. Third-degree arson is treated as a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison.
Fourth Degree Arson
Causing threat of injury or damage to another’s property. It is treated as a Class 4 felony if the crime places another individual in danger but is a Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor if only property is involved.
Contact a Boulder Arson Defense Lawyer Today
It is important for our Boulder defense lawyers to know your entire side of the situation so that we may, in turn, provide you with honest feedback concerning your Boulder defense case. Call 303-593-1874 or message us online to schedule your free consultation with Dolan + Zimmerman LLP.