Arson is charged in Fort Collins and Loveland when person is accused of being the reason something has caught fire. There are four degrees of Arson that can be charged in Colorado. The intent and the type of property that is damaged by the fire will determine what level of Arson is charged. Recently, Colorado dealt with some serious wildfires and the one that started in Loveland has been deemed as Arson. A man was recently arrested and charged with First Degree Arson and other charges including Impersonating a Peace Officer. According to the report, the man has started the fire on the ranch he worked at. He then pretended to be a law enforcement officer to get back into the area of the fire, told members of the public they were trespassing and allegedly pulled a gun on them.
Larimer County Arson Defense Lawyer: Definition of First Degree Arson in Loveland
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of First Degree Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-102 – is:
1st Degree Arson can only be charged if there is proof the defendant knowingly started the fire and the fire damaged a building or structure. A person could knowingly start a fire (like a campfire) without the intention of letting it get out of control or spread, but it does and if a building is damaged, First Degree Arson would be charged. This level Arson is a class 3 felony if an occupied structure is damaged (like a home). It is a class 4 felony if a building (not a home) is damaged.
Impersonating a Peace Officer Charges in Fort Collins, Colorado
The Fort Collins, Colorado law definition of Impersonating a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-112 – is:
It’s not enough to just say you are law enforcement – you must do some action that law enforcement has the authority to do. Examples would include:
- Pulling someone over;
- Arresting or threatening to arrest someone;
- Pulling a gun on someone after identifying yourself as law enforcement.
Impersonating a peace officer is a class 5 felony. This level felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.