As Arson Attorney in Houston, I Can Protect Your Rights

As an arson attorney in Houston, I provide dedicated legal representation to those accused of this crime.  If you live in Texas, in or around the Houston area, and have been charged with arson, you need an aggressive and competent attorney in order to ensure that your rights are protected. Arson is the intentional and illegal setting of fire to a vehicle or building – be it a home, religious institution, school, office, or some other commercial structures. It also includes the willful setting ablaze of brush or forest land (something that surprises many people accused of it). Additionally, anyone who, in the attempt to manufacture a controlled substance, causes an explosion that damages a vehicle or building can, and probably will, also be charged with arson. Even more seriously, if someone was killed in the fire, you will face homicide charges and could spend a considerable amount of time in jail. Remember that, regardless of intention, you can be charged with arson if you recklessly set a fire with no regard for the safety of other people or their property.
 
Because arson is considered a malicious destruction of property, if found guilty, you can be convicted of either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances involved.  With that in mind, there are different degrees of arson. The intent behind the setting of the fire, and/or the degree of damage cause will determine what you are charged with. For example, it is considered arson with malicious intent if someone starts a fire in order to get the insurance settlement. The prosecution will base their 'proof of intent' on the financial circumstances of the defendant, and if they have been facing any financial stress in the recent past.  A charge of first-degree arson will also be brought if it is believed that the defendant intended to terrorize someone. Again this could be inferred based solely on the fact that the defendant made prior threats.

While the penalty for the charge of first-degree arson varies, it is always considered a crime of violence and, if convicted, you could face a very heavy penalty and can spend anywhere from five years to life in jail. The accompanying rules regarding parole, etc. are also considerably tougher. However, it is important to note that even if malicious intent cannot be shown, in the state of Texas if the fire placed another person in danger of serious harm or death, the charges will be aggravated to "arson in the first degree".  As an arson attorney in Houston, one of the first things I do is to try and get the initial charges reduced.
 
In order to refute the charge of arson in the first degree, we have to contest the prosecutor's charge that you intended to set the fire and intended to cause harm. Or, in some cases, that the fire was accidentally started. As an arson attorney in Houston, I will bring in crime scene experts and independent fire investigators, to refute the case being made by the prosecution.
 
Although accidental fires are not usually considered arson, in order to avoid payout, insurance investigators are not above accusing the property owner of deliberately setting fire to the building which, if it happens to you, is a very frightening situation to be in. As an experienced and very competent arson attorney in Houston, I will be able to fight these charges. If you are suspected of, or charged with, arson, you need to contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin the process of building a compelling case for your defense.