First Degree Arson Attorney in Greeley

First Degree Arson (C.R.S. 18-4-102) in Weld County and Greeley, Colorado, requires proof that a person knowingly set fire to, burned, caused to be burned, or by the use of any explosive damages or destroyed, or caused to be damaged or destroyed, any building or occupied structure of another without his consent. In order to establish that a building was burned or set fire to, the 19th Judicial District Attorney must show more than a mere scorching or discoloration of the property.  It is not necessary that the entire building or structure be destroyed (read a description of the terms and definitions of Arson).

What is the Definition of First Degree Arson?

C.R.S. 18-4-102 - First Degree Arson - is defined by Colorado law as:

What is the Sentence / Punishment for 1st Degree Arson?

First (1st) Degree Arson in Evans, Greeley, and Erie, is a class 3 felony and is considered a crime of violence for the purposes of sentencing.  Therefore, a person who is convicted of First Degree Arson in Colorado faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of two years, and a maximum sentence of twice the normal maximum for a class 3 felony, which is 32 years.

Accidental Fires in Colorado

When a person is handling fire, accidents can happen.  Many times people in Weld, Morgan or Logan County are accused of Arson when they accidentally cause a fire that gets out of hand.  Sometimes people forget to blow out candles throughout their home or fall asleep with a cigarette burning.  You shouldn't go to prison or be branded as a felon for your entire life because of this kind of unintentional mistake.  There are many defenses to this serious crime.