Local Law Firms Home > Criminal Defense Overview > Arson of a Home, Habitation, or Residence

Few things are as terrible as a fire. A fire is one of those disasters that not only destroys all possessions a family may own but takes the actual home down with it. More often than not, these tragedies can be avoided. A lot of fires are actually caused by negligence. Leaving the stove on when nobody is home, small appliances near water or leaving candles on in cramped spaces are all common mistakes that spiral into this terrible tragedy. But what if there is foul play? What if the house and all the possessions in it were deliberately set on fire?

Are you currently a suspect in a case of arson of a home or residence? Consult with an experienced crime defense lawyer in your local area to discuss your case.

According to the US Fire Administration, home arson costs many families over $100,000 worth of damage in a case by case basis. In a recent four year period, there were over 1,587,000 fires in the United States with over 3,500 deaths as a result. Arson is a crime that is commonly committed in times of economic trouble be it on a national or individual scale. There are many reasons people commit this crime. Among the more common are:

• Insurance Fraud
• Murder
• Covering Up Evidence
• Hate Crime
• Act of Violence (usually from an EX)

Many cases of arson are specifically done by someone who already lives within the home. In a recent one year period, an estimated 323,900 intentional fires were reported in an attempt to defraud an insurance company. So where does this leave a suspect? Well, it may seem far fetched but it is not uncommon for an actual arsonist to place blame or imply that someone else could have started the fire.

While there are thorough investigations done at the scene of the crime, it’s not always easy pointing out who started the fire simply because any incriminating evidence could have been destroyed. Couple this with being at the wrong place at the wrong time and it could be a recipe for disaster.

Laws regarding arson vary widely from state to state. The degrees, charges, fines and potential jail time can change constantly. That is why it is best to act quickly in these cases.

If you or someone you know is a suspect in an arson case, don’t wait. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your local area today!