Arson Offenses in Richmond County Georgia criminal law lawyers

Arson Offenses in Richmond County Georgia criminal law lawyers

Augusta Criminal defense

Arson is a crime of general intent which means that arson was committed "willfully and maliciously." The only thing needed for an arson charge is proof that you intentionally lit the fire. The criminal intent with arson is purpose to start a fire, although there is no intent to burn a structure. A fire inspector must then testify in court that he/she also suspected arson, and then an expert witness must testify to support the fire inspectors opinion.
Arson is classified into 1st degree (homes, schools, churches), 2nd degree (unoccupied structures, vehicles), and 3rd degree (personal property). Because arson is a crime against possession, not ownership, a person can be charged with burning their own house, or committing arson against themselves.
A person helping with the crime is generally charged with arson rather than being an accomplice to the crime. Pouring gasoline on the floor of a building or possessing firebombs might be offenses related to arson under some state statutes. Arson that involves damage to federal property is almost always prosecuted in federal court, and also anything involving interstate or foreign transport.
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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer - Evans GA Criminal Defense Attorney - Richmond County GA DUI

The Augusta Legal Center of Hawk and Detchemendy - DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys - (706) 722-3500 - www.augusta-ga-dui.com

Attorneys Vic Hawk, Melissa Detchemendy, and Reid Sanders defend DUI cases and criminal cases in Georgia.