Defense for Florida Arson Charges
Miami Criminal Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights and Your Freedom
Considered a serious violent felony, arson is a charge that involves willfully or unlawfully causing damages by fire or by explosion.
Title XLVI § 806.01 of the Florida Statutes states that a person may be charged with arson should the following be damaged:
- Any dwelling, occupied or not, or its contents;
- Any structure where people are normally present; or
- Any other structure known or should have been known to be occupied
What are the Degrees of Arson?
In the state of Florida, the degrees of arson are based on the circumstances surrounding the act. Such as whether the building was empty or not, or if it was done in order to commit fraud. Another factor that is considered is the amount of damaged that was caused. The following are the degrees of arson
- First Degree Arson - when a person sets a fire to an occupied home or building
- Second Degree Arson - when a person sets fire to an empty or abandoned structure
- Third Degree Arson - when a person sets fire to an abandoned area of space such as a vacant lot or field
Penalties for Arson in Florida
Damaging these structures by fire or by explosion is a felony of the first degree. Under Florida law, a first-degree felony is punishable by up to $15,000 in fines, up to 30 years in state prison, or both.
According to § 806.031 of the Florida Statutes, if an arson results in any bodily harm to another person, additional misdemeanor charges can be charged. If the arson results in great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to another person, separate second-degree felony charges will be pursued.
Serious allegations that pack devastating criminal penalties, arson charges require thorough investigations, meticulous preparation, and experienced representation.
At the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A., Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Mirer has spent years delving into the intricacies of the criminal justice system. Prepared to vet all of your potential legal options and craft the most effect defense strategy, he can work aggressively to have your charges dismissed, or reduced as much as possible.
Trust Your Future to a Proven Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
As a former Miami-Dade County prosecutor and a trial attorney for more than a decade, Attorney Michael Mirer brings a wealth of experience and insight into every case he handles. Should you choose to work with the firm, you can be sure that you will receive one-on-one attention and relentless advocacy from a Miami criminal defense lawyer with a proven record of success.
If you would like to learn more about the arson charges you face and how the firm can protect your future, contact the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. today.
