As with any violent crime, a person setting fire to a building or dwelling shows he or she has destructive intentions.
Arson, especially multiple counts of it, can lead to fines or imprisonment. First degree arson is a felony in the state of Maryland, and it can bring a penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Investigation and charges
According to WBOC TV, a 14 year old Maryland resident was recently accused of causing three separate arson incidents that occurred over the last few months. The value of the destroyed property added up to over $30,000 total. Following charges, the teen is currently facing two first-degree arson charges and malicious burning, along with charges for malicious destruction of property.
After an investigation, authorities determined that the juvenile likely started a fire on the property of a single family home in April, along with a second attempted fire at an apartment a couple months later. The third incident involved the same apartment, which authorities later connected to the failed attempt from before. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is currently handling this case.
Legal problems
Setting fire to another person’s place of residence or private property carries steep fines and possible jail time. If convicted, you may need to repay the monetary value of whatever items the fire destroyed.
Arson is not merely an accident, but a purposeful and malicious act. In some cases, faulty wiring or other technical causes may be the real source of the start of a fire. Wrongful accusations of arson can cause frustration and worry for those accused.