La Habra, Orange County - Orange County criminal defense attorneys have handled many Arson cases, the news today regarding a school in La Habra was set on fire by arson still shocked our California criminal attorneys at our law firm. The news reported that a middle school in La Habra was set on fire and severely damaged on July 11th. The fire is suspected to be intentionally set when incendiary devices were found on the roof of the classroom building. The damage could cost the school district $1 million to repair. 900 students will have to use other classrooms when new semester begins. Fortunately, no student or staff were injured by the fire.
In California, Arson is a felony which is severely punished. Under California Penal Code Section 451, a person who intentionally sets a fire and causes great bodily injury can face up to 9 years imprisonment. If somebody is killed by the fire, the offender can be charged with murder and face up to life imprisonment. There are several factors can influence the severity of arson punishment: whether it causes injury, what kind of property the fire has damaged, and whether the arsonist does so intentionally or recklessly. For example, punishment is more sever if people get hurt by the fire. It is more severely punished if the structure is a dwelling where people regularly sleep in. Intentional arsonists face longer jail time than reckless arsonist or people accidentally cause fire. Generally, a person will not be criminally punished for burning down their own houses. But if the person does so to defraud insurance proceeds, their conducts count as a crime.
If you or anyone you know has been accused of arson, it is important to consult an experienced Santa Ana criminal attorney as soon as possible. Our Newport Beach criminal attorneys and Fullerton criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti are experts in handling arson and have been very successful defended arson cases in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We will utilize every possible way to achieve the best result possible. Call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal lawyers.
