Houston Arson Attorney

Penalties and Charges for Arson

Houston Arson AttorneyThe crime of arson is detailed in § 28.02 of the Texas Penal Code. Depending on the type of arson, this could be charged as a second-degree felony, first-degree felony, or a state jail felony. The Houston Arson Attorney at the firm has provided helpful information about the crime of arson and the penalties it might carry.

Sec. 28.02. ARSON:

A person commits an offense if the person starts a fire, regardless of whether the fire continues after ignition, or causes an explosion with intent to destroy or damage.

Arson is defined as intentionally setting fire to any structure, building, open land, or property under these specifics:

  • When the property is insured for damage/destruction;
  • If the property/land is owned by someone else;
  • When another person’s property is located in the structure;
  • When the structure or property is subject to a security interest or a mortgage; or
  • If the person sets fire to the property without any regard for the people inside.

Depending on the nature of the offense, the value of the property, the type of property, and whether anyone was injured or killed, a defendant may face first, second, or third-degree felony charges for arson. In Houston, Texas, this may mean that the defendant will face life in prison or 5 to 99 years in prison for a first-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison for a second-degree felony, or 2 to 10 years in prison for a third-degree felony. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be imposed.

Protecting Your Rights: A Houston Criminal Lawyer

If you have been arrested or are facing arson charges in the Houston area, it is important to consider your legal options in retaining criminal defense representation. With a hard-hitting criminal defender acting on your behalf, you may have the opportunity to avoid a conviction or possibly formal charges for arson in the first place. The particular approach and outcome will vary depending on your unique situation. At The Martinez Law Firm, we have over 24 years of experience fighting even the most austere criminal charges. We have defended countless clients and attained many successful verdicts over the years, to see our track record for yourself check out our recent case results.

Contact our Houston defense firm today for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you!