Arson
Arson is when a fire is set on purpose to a building or any property, often as a way to collect on an insurance policy. This can include setting one’s own property on fire as well as damaging a structure that belongs to someone else.
In Massachusetts, punishments for arson can vary, but typically include fines and/or imprisonment. Degrees of consideration include whether a person has a prior criminal history, how much damage was caused as a result of the arson, and whether a person was injured or killed. Other issues include the worth and the kind of property that was damaged (burning a house, school or house of worship carry higher penalties than burning an abandoned building, for example), the time of day the fire occurred, if neighboring buildings were damaged or in danger of being damaged, if insurance fraud was a motive, and/or if the person who started the fire was paid to do so.
Depending on the specifics of the case, arson can be considered a felony or misdemeanor, and can carry possible jail or prison time as well as fines. If there were casualties as a result of the arson, there may be one or more homicide charges as well.
If you are accused of causing or starting a fire on purpose, you need a top lawyer who knows the specifics about arson cases in Massachusetts. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll-free, or contact us online for a free consultation.
In Massachusetts, punishments for arson can vary, but typically include fines and/or imprisonment. Degrees of consideration include whether a person has a prior criminal history, how much damage was caused as a result of the arson, and whether a person was injured or killed. Other issues include the worth and the kind of property that was damaged (burning a house, school or house of worship carry higher penalties than burning an abandoned building, for example), the time of day the fire occurred, if neighboring buildings were damaged or in danger of being damaged, if insurance fraud was a motive, and/or if the person who started the fire was paid to do so.
Depending on the specifics of the case, arson can be considered a felony or misdemeanor, and can carry possible jail or prison time as well as fines. If there were casualties as a result of the arson, there may be one or more homicide charges as well.
If you are accused of causing or starting a fire on purpose, you need a top lawyer who knows the specifics about arson cases in Massachusetts. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll-free, or contact us online for a free consultation.
