Practice Areas
Our law firm provides comprehensive legal representation across various criminal practice areas, including white-collar crimes, drug offenses, theft, and violent crimes. We combine in-depth legal knowledge with strategic defense tactics to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcomes. Whether facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process.
ARSON
Arson is the intentional act of starting a fire or creating an explosion with the purpose of damaging or destroying property. There are varying degrees of arson, each having their own distinct penalties.
If you have been charged with or are under investigation for arson, the attorneys at Valentini law are here to help. Contact us at (612) 341-0900 to secure experienced and professional representation for your case.
First Degree Arson
First degree arson is a felony offense. If you are charged with first degree arson, you may be charged under any of the following subdivisions:
- Dwelling: This charge occurs when the building damaged in the arson was a home, including your own, regardless of whether anybody was in the home. If you are charged with first degree arson under this subdivision, the penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
- Other Buildings: This charge occurs when the building damaged in the arson was not a home, including any building you own, and you knew someone was inside of the building. If you are charged with first degree arson under this subdivision, the penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine.
- Flammable Material: This charge occurs when the building damaged in the arson was not a home, and a “flammable material” was used to start or accelerate the fire. This includes any building you own. A flammable material is a flammable (or combustible) liquid, a flammable gas, or a flammable solid. If you are charged with first degree arson under this subdivision, the penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Second Degree Arson
Second degree arson is a felony offense. Second degree arson includes damage to any building not covered under first degree arson. It also includes damage to property worth more than $1,000. This includes any building or property you own. If you are charged with second degree arson, the penalties include up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
Third Degree Arson
Third degree arson is a felony offense. Third degree arson includes damage to property worth more than $300 but less than $1,000. This also includes negligent arson, where the property of more than $300 was unintentionally damaged when it could reasonably have been foreseen. If you are charged with third degree arson, the penalties include up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Fourth Degree Arson
Fourth degree arson is a gross misdemeanor offense. Fourth degree arson includes fire damage to apartment buildings and public buildings not included in first-, second-, or third-degree arson. If you are charged with fourth degree arson, the penalties include up to 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
Fifth Degree Arson
Fifth degree arson is a misdemeanor offense. It includes any property of value not included in first, second, third, or fourth degree arson. If you are charged with fifth degree arson, the penalties include up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Use of Ignition Devices
Use of ignition devices is a petty misdemeanor offense. This is a charge against students who use butane, lighters, or matches inside an educational building when there is an obvious risk of fire, and the student did not commit any actual arson. If you are charged with use of ignition devices, the penalties include up to a $300 fine.