Local Law Firms Home > Criminal Defense Overview > Arson of a Vehicle Arson of a VehicleVehicle arson is a sticky situation. Vehicular arson or “torchin a car” is a serious crime that could land a criminal in jail for many years. Most of these cases are usually cut and dry. Professionals performing investigations of arson normally have no problem identifying a car that has been set on fire on purpose. A molotov cocktail, covering the car in a coat of gas and lighting it or stuffing a tailpipe are all common ways of committing vehicular arson. But what if it wasn’t intentional? What if the car was set on fire by mistake or it’s just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Are you or someone you know currently involved in a case of vehicular arson? Consult with an experienced crime defense attorney in your local area to discuss your case. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, over 36,000 cases of vehicular fires were evaluated in a recent two year period. These crimes had a cost of over $165,000,000 in property damage. Experts say that arson is most popular in times of economic problems. There are many reasons people commit vehicular arson. Among these are:
When someone commits vehicular arson, they don’t always just destroy a car. In most cases, they take away a vital part of someone’s life. An arsonist could destroy a person’s only way of getting around. These criminal acts could lead to the unemployment and debt of a victim. It’s for these reasons and more that, while varying from state to state, the punishments for arson can be very severe. This is why it is important for a someone falsely suspected of arson to fight and seek legal counsel. In one recent case, a california man was wrongly convicted of arson and spent 16 years in prison. It is only recently that the man was found innocent. While it is great news that the man has been released and the charges have been dropped, that’s 16 years that the poor man will never get back. If you are innocent, don’t let this happen to you. If you or someone you know is a suspect in a vehicular arson case it is important to speak with a lawyer. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your local area today! |