Fort Collins Arson Defense Attorney
Fort Collins police, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department and fire investigators will charge you with Arson in the event a fire endangers or harms persons or property. This crime can quickly escalate from a class three misdemeanor to a very serious class three felony, depending on whether persons were endangered, or just property. If property, the value of the item endangered will determine the class of Arson charged.
How is Arson Charged in Larimer County?
Larimer County Arson Lawyer
What is First Degree Arson?
When charged with First Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-102, in Loveland, Estes Park or Windsor, great care should be taken to make no statements to law enforcement. This class three felony offense can be charged when a home or building is burned. If an explosive is used, there is mandatory prison time.
Arson Attorney in Fort Collins
What is Second Degree Arson?
Second Degree Arson is listed at C.R.S. 18-4-103, and is a class four felony in Larimer County. Under this alleged crime, a person will be accused of burning the non-building property of another without their consent. This might be a car, trees, or crops. It can be charged as a felony if the damaged property is valued at $100 or more.
Loveland Arson Defense Attorney
What is Third Degree Arson?
The crime of Third Degree Arson is often charged by fire investigators or the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department when a fire is set, or an explosion occurs, intentionally with the intent to defraud. Usually, an insurance company claim is involved. This class four felony under C.R.S. 18-4-104 can result in a two to six year prison sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Fort Collins Arson Lawyer
What is Fourth Degree Arson?
Finally, Fourth Degree Arson results from the knowing or reckless starting or maintaining of a fire which places another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury, or if a person places a house or building in danger. This charge can result in a class four felony on the high end if people were endangered, all the way down to a class three misdemeanor, if low value property was endangered.
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More Information About the Four Degrees of Arson in Fort Collins
First Degree Arson
Read more about First Degree Arson charges in Fort Collins and Larimer County.
Second Degree Arson
How does Second Degree Arson get charged in Loveland? Find out here.
Third Degree Arson
Click above for more in depth information about Third Degree Arson charges.
Fourth Degree Arson
Accidental fires can still result in criminal charges. Read more about Fourth Degree Arson.
Larimer County Arson Charges: How an Arson Lawyer Can Help
As you can see from a brief description of each of these Arson charges, Larimer County and the State of Colorado take explosions and fire setting seriously. Don’t misconstrue the kind approach of police or fire investigators who wants to speak with you. Always contact an experienced Arson lawyer if you’ve been charged or accused of Arson in Colorado.