A crime of arson can land a person in jail or prison for years, among other significant penalties, which is why if you are facing such charges, you need an experienced Pensacola arson lawyer on your side. Contact The Law Office of James M. Burns today.
Pensacola Arson Lawyer | Providing a Strong Defense For Serious Arson Charges
The penalties you can face for an arson charge range from misdemeanor offenses to a first-degree felony, such as when a fire damages a home, office building, or somewhere else that people may be present. In Escambia County, Baldwin County, and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities, a call to Escambia County criminal defense lawyer James M. Burns can protect your rights. After almost 20 years of representing those accused of criminal offenses, he can offer practical advice and fight for the best possible solution.
Criminal Mischief, Graffiti, And Arson
In Florida, when willful or negligent conduct damages the property of someone else, it is generally a crime. Here are some of the offenses along with the consequences of a conviction:
- Even minor damage up to $200 can carry a jail sentence of up to 60 days. As the value of the property damaged increases, this charge can turn into a felony ($1,000 is a rather low threshold).
- Graffiti charges carry mandatory minimum fines based on whether there are prior offenses. Community service is almost always ordered as well.
- Arson, regardless of whether the damage was caused by fire or explosion, will almost always result in felony charges. The maximum prison sentence for arson in Florida is 30 years. You also need to take seriously misdemeanor property damage, because a criminal record could affect you or your child’s future opportunities.
Depending on the facts of the cases, certain defenses might exist. Lawyer James M. Burns is a skilled litigator who can recommend when to negotiate a plea and when to fight a case all the way to trial.
Contact a Pensacola Arson Lawyer
The bottom line is that if you’ve been charged with arson, you need a knowledgeable Pensacola arson lawyer on your side. Here at The Law Office of James M. Burns, we aggressively fight for our clients’ rights. We understand the impact a criminal conviction can have on you, which is why we are prepared to fight for you, no matter the hurdles that are thrown our way. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling 850-930-3018 or simply contact us online. We are here to help you through every step of the legal process ahead.