Arson is likely the cause of a fire which destroyed an iconic mill in Windsor, Colorado, in the process of being refurbished. Arson investigators in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, ruled that the fire was intentionally set – officially ruling it as a First Degree Arson. While no suspects have been named, nor has a motive been determined, First Degree Arson is a class 3 felony. The person or persons responsible are facing some serious time in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Any time a building or occupied structure is purposely burned in Greeley, Windsor, or anywhere across Weld County, 1st Degree Arson is charged. In many cases, a lesser class of Arson is charged from accidental fires in Colorado.
Greeley 1st Degree Arson Attorney: What is the Definition of First Degree Arson?
The Colorado law definition of First Degree Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-102 – is:
When it comes to Arson charges in Greeley, Fort Morgan, and Johnstown, the type of property that is damaged and the intent are important in deciding what level Arson to charge:
- First Degree Arson – knowingly sets fire to a building or occupied structure of another
- Second Degree Arson – knowingly sets fire to property of another
- Third Degree Arson – setting fire to property with intent to defraud
- Fourth Degree Arson – knowingly or recklessly sets fire to property and places a building, occupied structure, or person in danger
Sentence for First Degree Arson of the Windsor Mill in Morgan and Logan County
As a class 3 felony in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, First Degree Arson is punishable by 4 to 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $750,000 in fines. This amount does not include the actual damage caused by the fire. That amount will be addressed in the restitution requested in the case. The alleged victim’s property damage will be assessed and, if someone is convicted, the accused will be required to pay back that amount.
If you or someone you love has been charged with First Degree Arson, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Greeley Arson attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Source: Pixabay-Kincse_j