Bowie and Crofton Arson Defense Attorneys

Fighting for the rights of those accused of arson throughout Maryland

Arson is a crime that involves the intentional use of fire to destroy property. Arson is a serious crime with some of the most significant penalties under Maryland law. If you are under investigation or have been charged with arson, you would be wise to contact an experienced Bowie arson defense lawyer right away.

At Carey Law Office, our Bowie criminal defense attorneys do not shy away from going up against the police, the fire marshal, the District Attorney, and any other challenges in your path to fight for justice for you. Schedule a confidential consultation so that you can discuss your case and we can offer legal guidance specific to your case.

Maryland arson and malicious burning laws

According to the Maryland Uniform Crime Report, there were 1028 arsons reported in 2016. Of the total number of arson crimes reported, 487 were structural and 306 were motor vehicle or other mobile property. A total of 358 persons were arrested for arson that year.

Maryland law defines a “dwelling” as a structure which is adapted for overnight accommodations whether an individual is present or not. The term, “maliciously,” means acting with the intent to harm a person or property.

• Arson in the first degree. The willful or malicious setting fire to/burning of a dwelling or structure. If convicted, the penalties include up to 30 years in prison and/or $50,000 in fines.
• Arson in the second degree. The willful or malicious setting fire to/burning of a structure that belongs to someone else. If convicted, the penalties include up to 20 years in prison and/or $30,000 in fines.
• Malicious burning of personal property in the first degree. The willful or malicious setting fire to/burning of someone else’s property worth at least $1,000. If convicted, the penalties include up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 in fines.
• Malicious burning of personal property in the second degree. The willful or malicious setting fire to/burning of someone else’s property worth at up to $1,000. If convicted, the penalties include up to 18 months in jail and/or $500 in fines.
• Burning with intent to defraud. This statute prohibits setting fire or burning property of any kind with the intent to defraud another. If convicted, the penalties include up to 5 years in prison and/or $5,000 in fines.
• Threat of arson. A verbal or written threat to set something on fire, burn something, or make something explode. If convicted, the penalties include up to 10 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines.

Burning a trash container, and attempting to burn a structure or property, are both misdemeanors, with a possible jail term of up to 30 days and/or a fine of $500.

Our Bowie arson defense lawyers will fight to protect your rights under the law

When you have been charged with a crime, it is our job to defend you, and use every legal option available to reduce or eliminate the charges and the penalties. When it comes to arson charges, you are facing an uphill challenge as the Fire Marshall and other investigators will aggressively work to determine if the fire was deliberately set. To convict, the prosecutor must be able to show that the fire was deliberately set, that the intention of setting the fire was to cause destruction, and then they need to prove who set the fire.

Our experienced Bowie arson defense attorneys help gather the evidence you need to support your defense, and to refute whatever evidence the prosecutor might have against you. Being charged with arson can feel stressful and overwhelming. Working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer can give you confidence that your rights are being protected. We are here to fight for justice for you. We offer sound advice as you move through the criminal justice system. Do not try to take on criminal charges on your own. Regardless of what you are being accused of, you deserve justice.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced Bowie arson defense lawyer today

If you have been charged with arson, it is vital that you contact a capable criminal defense lawyer right away. Our offices are in Bowie and Dunkirk, we serve clients in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and throughout the state. We are dedicated to offering personal attention that you will not find at a larger law office. You may call 301-464-2500 or complete our contact form to get in touch with Carey Law Office today. We’re here to fight for you.