Unfortunately, no matter how many times we say not to, there always seems to be a propensity for people to speak with the police and investigators and get themselves in trouble. That seems to be the case for a few young men who have been arrested for Fourth Degree Arson related to the Cold Springs Fire. According to the news report, three friends had been camping in the area around the time the fire started. Each had their own campsite, separate from each other, but were camping on private property. Witnesses led investigators to the three campers, who agreed to show the investigators their campsites. The second site was inaccessible due to the fire, but pictures were shown and the men agreed it was where they had set up camp. One of the men was also quoted as saying, “It had to been us. There was no one else around.” While the fire was not set intentionally, simply a campfire that did not fully go out, the men are still facing class 4 felony Fourth Degree Arson charge.
Weld County Fourth Degree Arson Lawyer: What is the Definition of 4th Degree Arson?
The Colorado law definition of Fourth Degree Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-105 – is:
So, in essence, by starting a campfire in Weld, Morgan, or Logan County, you can be charged with Arson because you knowingly started and maintained the fire. If the campfire was taken care of entirely and no damage was caused it would not be an issue. But, for the men in the story above, the fact that the fire was not properly put out and they had intentionally set it, means they are culpable by law for the damage it caused.
Have you been charged with 4th Degree Arson? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Have you been charged with 4th Degree Arson? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Greeley 4th Degree Arson Lawyer: What is the Sentence / Punishment for Arson in the Fourth Degree?
Fourth Degree Arson can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the situation:
- Fourth degree arson is a class 4 felony if a person is thus endangered.
- Fourth degree arson is a class 2 misdemeanor if only property is thus endangered and the value of the property is one hundred dollars or more.
- Fourth degree arson is a class 3 misdemeanor if only property is thus endangered and the value of the property is less than one hundred dollars.
Unfortunately for the men, the fire reached and destroyed five houses, which means that people could be placed at risk by their actions. They are both facing the class 4 felony 4th Degree Arson charge, which is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines. On top of that, the men will be facing a hefty restitution order to pay for all the damages they allegedly caused.
If you or someone you love are facing Arson charges in Greeley, Erie, and Evans, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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