Sheridan Arson Lawyer

Davis & Cannon, LLP aggressively defends criminal clients throughout the State of Wyoming. We have extensive criminal litigation experience at both the misdemeanor and felony level including DUIs, drug offenses, white collar crime, sexual assault, and homicide.

Arson is a very serious property crime. When someone maliciously starts a fire or causes an explosion with the intent to damage a structure or cause injury or death, he/she will likely be charged with arson.

If aggravating circumstances were present, consequences and penalties will increase significantly.

Examples of aggravating circumstances include an intent to profit from the fire, the serious injury or death of another, or a reckless disregard for human life.

The penalties for arson vary widely depending on the harm caused. Because of the high potential for loss of human life, most cases of arson are treated as felonies.

We have more than 70 years of experience investigating and constructing defenses to protect the rights of those charged with this very serious offense.

Contact us today at (307) 672-7491 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

Consequences of Being Charged with Arson

First-degree arson for an occupied structure is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and up to $20,000 in fines, or twice the amount of the insurance of the structure. If a person is guilty of aggravated arson with a reckless disregard for life, or if an injury or death resulted, they may be facing up to 30 years imprisonment, in addition to fines. Courts may also order those convicted of arson to pay restitution, which is a payment for the value of the damage to property. In many cases, this amount can be staggering.

Why You Need an Arson Lawyer

Step one if you’ve been charged with arson is to contact a defense attorney with extensive experience in this particular area of the law. If a fire was not deliberately set, little damage occurred and no injury resulted, some cases of arson will be charged as a misdemeanor.

Working with a highly-skilled attorney can make all the difference in the world in the outcome of your case. If you are accused of arson, a thorough investigation of the facts and evidence is essential, and experienced legal counsel is the best way to ensure that this occurs.

Because of the seriousness of this crime, evidence-gathering techniques are often quite high tech. At Davis & Cannon, LLP, we are experienced at reviewing all reports, lab results, videos and photographs to develop a strong defense against arson charges. We will also ensure that all procedural requirements are fulfilled and that your constitutional rights are protected from the arrest through the conclusion of your case.

Defenses to Arson Charges

A conviction for arson can only be made if there is enough evidence to prove that the fire was started with the intent to damage a structure, profit or cause injury. In many cases, it is beneficial to work with a fire investigator who can determine and show a lack of motive, if possible.

If your attorney can show that you had no motive to start the fire, it may be difficult for the prosecution to convince the court otherwise. The prosecution may use the generic motive of “having insurance,” but a good defense attorney will anticipate this canned response and respond accordingly.

A solid alibi is another good defense against arson. If you can prove that you were in a different location when the fire started, this may be your best defense against arson charges.

An experienced arson attorney will know how to evaluate the evidence and proof for intent or motivation. The legal team at Davis and Cannon, LLP will also ensure that all evidentiary and procedural requirements have been met and arrest and searches have been processed lawfully to protect your case. Take the smart route. Whether this is your first offense or a third offense with aggravated circumstances, we can help.

Contact Davis & Cannon, LLP Today

If you have been charged with arson, contact the skilled legal team at Davis & Cannon, LLP. Our experienced, knowledgeable arson lawyers have successfully defended countless clients in Gillette, Cheyenne, Sheridan and all of Wyoming for over seven decades. Contact Davis & Cannon, LLP today at (307) 672-7491 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.