Fort Lauderdale Arson Defense Lawyer

Setting fire to your own residence, business, building, any property belonging to someone else may be charged as arson. Often this crime is committed by individuals looking for profit by collecting large insurance payouts or in an effort to cover up a crime, such as murder. The techniques that are used by the fire department and investigators to determine source of a fire are very precise and can pinpoint exactly where and/or how a fire was started, including what was used to set off the initial blaze.

If you are currently under investigation for the crime of arson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida please contact me, attorney Marshall Geisser. I may be able to provide you with the legal protection and resources that you will need when you are facing arson charges. If the arson investigation also includes a murder charge, it is crucial to my own investigation that I am able to conduct my own research and interview of witnesses which may be able to clear a client’s name right from the start. In order to even be convicted of an arson charge, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you indeed started the fire.

Fort Lauderdale Arson – First Degree Felony Offense

Arson may be charged as a 1^st degree felony in Florida if someone is harmed or dies as a result of the fire; and this would include any firefighters and police officers. A 2^nd degree felony may be charged if the fire causes extreme damage to the building or property. If the fire is small and does not cause much damage, an individual may be charged with a misdemeanor for the “destruction of property” and/or “criminal mischief”. 

An arson conviction may result in a sentence of 1 year jail time to life in prison – all depending on the circumstances of the particular case. If the fire was set in order to cover up murder, then an individual may face the death penalty under Florida law. If monetary gain was the motive, then prosecutors may also charge a defendant with a theft crime. This may include burglary charges, if items of value were stolen from the property.

Experienced Criminal Defense Representation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It is very important that if you are currently in police custody that you remain silent and ask for an attorney to be present when you are being questioned. Failing to do this can cause severe harm to your case. As an experienced Fort Lauderdale arson lawyer I diligently work hand in hand with my clients to help ensure the best outcome possible for their arson cases.

Accused of arson in Fort Lauderdale? Contact us today!