Explanation of Arson Charges in California

Being criminally charged with something such as arson is extremely serious – if convicted, you will be facing severe and life-altering consequences. In the state of California, both law enforcement and prosecutors take this crime seriously and treat it with the utmost gravity. Under the 2010 California Penal Code, §451, arson is considered the willful and malicious burning of a building, structure or piece of property.

Should the criminal act result in the physical injury of a victim, this can be criminally tried as a felony and will be punishable by up to nine years of incarceration. If the structure that is burned is inhabited, this is yet again tried as a felony and can be punished by three, five or eight years of imprisonment. Should the defendant have committed arson while serving a sentence of imprisonment, the incarceration that is imposed as a penalty will be added on to the sentence in which they are already serving.

If you have recently been criminally charged with arson, it is highly encouraged that you contact an experienced and hard-hitting Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at soon as possible. At Takakjian & Sitkoff, we have extensive experience dealing with criminal charges of this nature. We know what is on the line when we take on a case such as this and we will stop at nothing in our efforts to help our clients fight to protect their rights.

Contact a Los Angeles arson defense attorney from our firm today to learn more about how we can help. Regardless of the circumstances, you will be able to be confident knowing that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help you obtain the just outcome that you are looking for. We will stop at nothing in our pursuit to defend your freedom – call us today to schedule your initial case analysis.