Top Arson Lawyer in Fort Collins, Colorado
Loveland Man Convicted of Arson for Setting Church on Fire

If you have been accused of an act of Arson, you need to contact a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.  Earlier this year, a Loveland man was convicted of hate-motivated Arson after he set fire to a church.  The defendant confessed that his reason for setting the fire was to devastate the church and attack it for its “religious character,” according to the article.  He now faces up to 20 years in the Colorado DOC and a fine of $250,000 for his actions.  Stories like these underscore just how critical it is to hire a top criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you have been charged with Arson.

1. What are the Four Degrees of Arson at the Larimer County Courts?

The four degrees of Arson, as they are recognized by the Larimer County Courts, are as follows:

First Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-102 – Knowingly setting fire to another person’s building or occupied structure without that person’s consent.

Second Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-103 – Knowingly setting fire to another person’s property without consent that is not an occupied structure or building – e.g., agricultural land.

Third Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-104 – Intentionally setting fire to any property – including your own – with the intent to defraud.  For example, you would be charged with 3^rd Degree Arson for setting fire to your own house to try to file a fraudulent insurance claim.

Fourth Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-105 – Knowingly or recklessly starting or maintaining a fire on your own property or on someone else’s, thereby endangering another person or a building or occupied structure.  Note that 4^th Degree Arson is charged when a fire merely endangers another person or building – regardless of whether damage, serious bodily injury, or death occurs.

2. What are the Penalties for Arson in Fort Collins? | Larimer County Jail Time and Other Penalties

Penalties for an Arson conviction in Fort Collins – including time at the Larimer County Jail or Colorado DOC – vary greatly.  These penalties are determined by the degree of Arson with which the defendant was charged.  The degree of Arson in turn depends on several different factors, including the intent behind the Arson and amount of property that was damaged.  Generally, a defendant convicted of an Arson charge can expect to be penalized with:

• Incarceration at the Larimer County Jail for a petty offense or misdemeanor conviction; Colorado DOC for a felony conviction
• Fines of hundreds or thousands of dollars
• Restitution payments to cover any property damage or medical bills from the fire
• Mandatory parole upon release from the Colorado DOC
• Relinquishment of firearms and ammunition for a felony conviction
• Personal consequences – job loss, ruined personal reputation, and many others

3. Talk to a Top Larimer County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of Arson, your first step should be to talk to a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer today.  Accusations of setting a fire – even if it was unintentional – can cost you your freedoms and finances.  Potential new employers will see your criminal record and view you as either irresponsible or reprehensible.  Your friends and family may shun you.  You may not have any hope of having a retirement account with paying restitution and fines.  Don’t wait to contact an experienced attorney today.  We will represent you aggressively at the Larimer County Courts and protect your future from being destroyed by penalties like these.

Have you been charged with Arson?  Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – never talk to the Fort Collins Police or other law enforcement officer about your charges.  Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your charges. Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

Photo by jane grn