Fighting Arson Charges in California
Arson is a surprisingly common crime in California – and arson rates across the state appear to be rising. If you have been accused of arson, you should know that the Golden State takes this crime very seriously. Aside from the obvious risk to human life, you also need to consider that California has seen rampant forest fires over the past few years. Some of these forest fires were undoubtedly set by arsonists, causing massive destruction of property, animal habitats, and much more.
Penalties for Arson in California
But what exactly are the penalties for arson in California? This is a somewhat difficult question to answer since the state seems to be continuously increasing the criminal consequences. That being said, we can review a few recent cases of arson across the state to get a sense of what these consequences might be.
As always, it makes sense to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you have been charged with a serious crime like arson and if you have been the victim of a fire and your insurance will not accept your claim, you can learn more about filing an insurance bad faith claim regarding fire damage. As you will soon find out, many defendants accused of arson find themselves facing many years in prison. The sooner you get in touch with a defense attorney, the sooner you can start pushing back with an effective defense strategy.
Woman Arrested for Allegedly Setting Fire at LAPD Station
On April 7, a woman was arrested for allegedly setting fire to an LAPD station. The fire was so intense that it damaged furniture, photographs, and the ceiling of the lobby. Surveillance footage tied the woman to the crime, although the police admitted that the fire may have been accidental.
Serial Arsonist Wreaks Havoc in Mt. Washington and Silver Lake
On April 6, it was reported that a “serial arsonist” was on the loose in areas surrounding Mt. Washington and Silver Lake. A number of fires broke out across the neighborhood, and one fire was set in front of someone’s home. The local fire department admitted that there have been several suspicious fires set across the area.
30 Bakersfield Arson Fires Reported So Far in 2023
Over in Bakersfield, firefighters say that there have been 30 arson fires so far in 2023. Another fire broke out on April 6, when it was reported that a person had lost their life in one of these blazes. These fires tend to break out at abandoned homes at a rate of about two fires per week. In 2021, the city’s arson unit investigated 720 possible arson events. 83 of these involved vacant or abandoned buildings. This latter number jumped to 151 in 2022.
Palo Alto Teen Arrested for Allegedly Setting Community Center on Fire
On May 3, 2023, it was reported that a Palo Alto teen had been arrested for allegedly setting a community center on fire. This teen is now being charged with felony arson – despite his young age. Apparently, the boy has been linked to other fires at schools in the local area. These fires caused no injuries, but they did cause serious damage.
Bank Arsonist on the Loose in Milpitas
On April 30, it was reported that an unknown suspect had placed an “incendiary device” by the front door of a bank before speeding away in a vehicle. The device ignited but was quickly extinguished, with no property damage or injuries reported. This is still considered arson, however, and the suspect faces serious consequences if caught. Police are aware of his vehicle’s make and model.
Man Arrested After Starting Fire in Westlake
On April 7, it was reported that a man had been arrested for starting a fire in a tree. This fire then spread to an apartment complex in Westlake, forcing all occupants to evacuate. No injuries were reported, but this shows how serious arson can become. Even if you think you are simply setting fire to a tree, the blaze can easily spread – leading to much worse legal consequences.
Arson Suspect Arrested in Imperial County
On April 21, it was reported that a man had been arrested in Imperial County on suspicion of arson. In fact, officials believe that he set three different brush fires in the area. Police managed to track him using shoe impressions at the scene of the crime. They finally identified the suspect and brought him to jail.
Rainbow Flag Burned in Potential Hate Crime
On April 27, it was reported that the burning of a rainbow flag in Pasadena was being investigated as a potential hate crime. This means that if the suspect is located, they could face much worse consequences than a simple arson charge. The rainbow flag was “reduced to shreds,” according to authorities.
Man Set Fire to Homeless Woman
In 2023, a man set fire to the tent of a homeless woman, causing her to suffer severe burns. On April 24th, this individual entered a no-contest plea after being charged with attempted murder, mayhem, and arson causing great bodily injury. He will soon be sentenced.
Arsonist Faces Trial for Starting 2018 California Wildfire
Meanwhile, the trial of the man who allegedly started a massive California wildfire in 2018 is now underway. The trial has uncovered new details, including an apparent dispute between neighbors that led to one man – the defendant – setting a fire “in or around” the other’s cabin. The defendant’s attorney argues that investigators focused almost entirely on the alleged dispute between the neighbors without actually focusing on hard evidence that proves the fire was intentionally set. This fire eventually destroyed over 23,000 acres.
Where Can I Find a Defense Attorney in California?
If you have been searching for a qualified defense attorney in California, look no further than Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants – and we know how serious arson charges can be. This is where your constitutional right to an attorney becomes incredibly important. Choosing a private defense attorney can provide you with better results compared to a public defender, and it’s worth fully exploring your legal options instead of simply going with the first lawyer you find. Remember, this is your future we are talking about. Book a consultation with us today to get started with an effective defense strategy.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.