Maryland Arson Lawyers
Arson law basically deals with the intentional burning of houses, businesses or any other kind of property. This particular crime actually predates the American justice system, but our legislators do continue to modify the elements of the offense and have expanded the suitable penalties when convicted.
Arson is a serious felony in Maryland and since that’s the case, people who have been found guilty of the crime can find themselves facing lengthy prison sentences. This is the main reason why having a qualified lawyer by your side helps in the process can save you from having to pay a fine or even serve jail time.
What Is Arson?
Basically, arson is considered as an act of maliciously setting fire to a place or a structure. This also includes setting fire in vacant lots and even the woods. There are two degrees of arson in Maryland:
- First-degree arson is setting fire to an occupied place or a structure.
- Second-degree arson is the setting fire of an unoccupied place or structure. You can also be charged with second degree arson if you intended to burn your own house down to collect the insurance payment.
Both first and second-degree arson is considered a serious felony in Maryland and setting fire to a building can also be seen as a malicious burning. If an act of arson causes more than $1,000 in damages, the perpetrator is usually charged with first degree malicious burning, which is a felony. If a person’s actions have caused less than $1,000 in damages, they can be charged with second degree malicious burning, a misdemeanor. It is important to keep in mind that even the second degree variant carries up to five years imprisonment.
What about Minors?
In cases where a minor has been accused of arson, they could face the same charges as an adult, including the potential of facing a long-term prison sentence. This is why hiring only the best lawyers can save you from a serious crime like arson. When minors are accused of arson, an experienced lawyer will know exactly how to fight to keep the case in juvenile court, instead of taking it into the adult system where it could result in incarceration instead of rehabilitation.
Being charged with a serious crime like arson, or any crime for that matter, can be a very stressful event for anyone-regardless of age. This is where hiring an experienced lawyer will get you the strong representation you need and the well prepared defense that will be indispensable when you must appear in Court. If you want to find out more about criminal defense contact Altmark, Rotter & Trock, LLP today at 410-783-9230.