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ARSON
Arson in Florida
Arson is considered a violent and highly serious criminal offense in Florida, defined under Florida Statute § 806.01. It involves the willful and unlawful burning or setting fire to property, and it doesn’t matter whether the property is fully destroyed or only partially damaged — even a small fire may result in criminal charges if it was set intentionally.
Florida divides arson into two main degrees based on the type of property targeted and the potential for harm. First-degree arson occurs when someone intentionally sets fire to an occupied dwelling, school, place of worship, or any structure where people are normally present. This is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, large fines, and a permanent felony record. Second-degree arson, typically involving unoccupied structures, abandoned buildings, or vacant land, still carries a serious penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
In many arson cases, law enforcement and fire investigators work together to determine the cause of the fire. The use of accelerants, suspicious burn patterns, or surveillance footage can be used to build a case. However, arson cases are often highly technical and circumstantial, which means an experienced defense attorney can challenge evidence, raise questions about intent, and dispute cause and origin reports.
Arson charges can also be brought alongside other crimes, such as insurance fraud, burglary, or attempted homicide — depending on the circumstances. Given the complexity and severity of these cases, anyone facing an arson investigation or charge should seek immediate legal representation to protect their rights and future.
At Crag Chaderton Law, we understand how emotionally charged and serious arson allegations can be. We conduct our own investigations, consult with independent fire experts when necessary, and build a defense aimed at reducing charges, suppressing unreliable evidence, or achieving dismissal. If you’ve been accused of arson in Florida, we are ready to stand by you and fight for your freedom with the experience and urgency your case deserves.
Crag Chaderton Law’s Strategy
Facing an arson charge in Florida is a serious matter — one that demands immediate and skilled legal defense. At Crag Chaderton Law, our strategy is built on two core principles: challenge the evidence thoroughly and protect your rights fiercely. We recognize that arson cases are often based on complex, technical investigations, and we know how to identify the weaknesses in the state’s case from the very beginning.
Our defense starts with a comprehensive review of all fire investigation reports, including the origin and cause analysis, forensic findings, and eyewitness statements. We often consult with independent fire science experts to determine whether the fire could have been accidental, naturally caused, or misclassified. Arson cases frequently rely on circumstantial evidence — and we challenge any assumptions made by investigators or insurers that lack hard proof of criminal intent.
At Crag Chaderton Law, we understand the impact these charges can have — on your freedom, your reputation, and your family. That’s why we fight with precision, experience, and purpose — because every client deserves a defense that treats them with dignity and delivers results.
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Risk Associated With Arson!
Risk to Human Life
Arson can cause serious injury or death to occupants, neighbors, first responders, or bystanders — even if harm was not intended.
Severe Property Damage
Fires can completely destroy homes, businesses, vehicles, or public structures, leading to significant financial loss.
Public Safety Threat
Fires often spread beyond the original target, threatening surrounding buildings, infrastructure, and the environment.
Strain on Emergency Resources
Arson incidents require extensive fire department and law enforcement response, diverting resources from other emergencies.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Victims may suffer trauma, displacement, and long-term emotional distress after losing property or feeling unsafe in their communities.
High Cost of Investigation and Cleanup
Arson investigations are complex and expensive, often involving forensic teams, insurance companies, and code enforcement.
Fraud and Financial Crimes
Arson is sometimes committed as part of insurance fraud schemes, which can lead to additional felony charges and financial penalties.
Wrongful Accusations
Because arson is often circumstantial and forensic-based, there is a risk of charging innocent individuals based on flawed or incomplete evidence.
Facing Arson Charges? Your Future Deserves a Strong Defense.
We fight to protect your freedom, suppress weak evidence, and expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
📞 Call Crag Chaderton Law today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Don’t let a charge define your future — let us help you take control of it.
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