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Fort Collins Fourth Degree Arson Lawyer

Charged with Fourth Degree Arson? Read more about these charges and how an effective attorney in Larimer County, Colorado can help protect your future.

Recently, large, destructive fires in Colorado are common occurrences. Because of the devastation they have caused, Larimer County fire investigators and Fort Collins police tend to diligently prosecute people accused of arson. If you live in Boulder, Grand, or Larimer County, you need a lawyer who gets involved early in the case because this type of crime is defensible.

Other Arson Charges

First Degree Arson

Second Degree Arson

Third Degree Arson

Larimer County Fourth Degree Arson Attorney
What is the Definition?

Colorado law defines Fourth Degree Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-105 – as:

 a person knowingly or recklessly starts or maintains a fire or causes an explosion, on his own property or that of another, and by so doing places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury or places any building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage

Basically, the most important elements of Fourth Degree Criminal Arson are:

  • there was an intent or reckless act to start a fire
  • the fire did or could have caused someone to be hurt
  • the fire put property in danger of damage

Fort Collins Fourth Degree Criminal Arson Sentence

Fourth Degree Arson is divided into 3 different classes based on actual or potential damage. If:

  • a person is endangered, it is a Class 4 felony punishable with prison time and fines
  • property is endangered and the value of the property is greater than $100, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable with county jail time and fines
  • property is endangered and the value of the property is less than $100, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable with county jail time and fines

While the possible sentence for this offense could include confinement, most of our clients get probation and don’t serve any time in jail or prison. Hiring a trusted attorney who had experience with arson cases is vital to protecting your future.

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Boulder County Fourth Degree Arson Examples

We understand most people are not trying to hurt someone with a fire. Accidents happen, and it does not take much for a fire to get out of control and cause thousands of dollars in property damage and even risk someone’s life. Maybe you were just having a bonfire with friends when the wind carried a spark and caused your small bonfire to spread. Or perhaps you were burning leaves or trash and a similar outcome occurred. Whatever the circumstance, the law can be very unforgiving, so you should hire a confident lawyer who has background fighting arson cases in Fort Collins, as well as all of Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County.

Northern Colorado Arson Charges: How an Arson Attorney Can Help

Fourth Degree Criminal Arson carries a wide range of penalties. Incarceration can be avoided, and you may even be able have these charges dismissed if you involve a knowledgeable defense attorney early.

If you or a love one has been arrested for Fourth Degree Arson, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007. Our lawyers can also do affordable inmate visits at the Larimer County Jail. Together, we can protect your future.