Arson charges carry severe penalties, but can you argue self-defense as a defense? Yes, you can, but the circumstances must support it. Let's explore how self-defense might factor into an arson case and potentially help reduce or dismiss the charges. What is...
Personal Attention.
Aggressive Defense.
Arson
How do prior convictions impact arson charges?
Arson involves the intentional setting of fire to property. It carries severe legal consequences due to the potential for extensive property damage and danger to human life. In Maryland, the law classifies arson into different degrees based on factors like intent and...
Can circumstantial evidence prove arson in court?
Investigators often find no direct witnesses or video footage when flames destroy property. Still, prosecutors win arson cases using only circumstantial evidence. This means they prove guilt through connected facts rather than direct proof of the crime. What makes...
What to do if your teenager is charged with arson
As a parent, your primary concern is the well-being of your children, particularly during the challenging teenage years. Receiving a visit from law enforcement to inform you that your child has been involved in an act of arson can be devastating. Now you’re looking to...
What are the different degrees of arson in Maryland?
Not all arson cases are treated the same in Maryland. The law recognizes different degrees of arson based on the intent behind the act, the type of property damaged and whether lives were put at risk. This ensures that each case is evaluated according to its severity....
Two burning-related offenses you should know about
Maryland has a number of laws around arson and burning. The level of offense and the potential consequences vary based on things like the dollar value of damage done, what was burned and the motivation for the burning. Arson offenses involve intentionally setting fire...
Is burning your own property considered arson?
Maryland prosecutors deal with those charged with arson very strictly. An arson charge is a serious offense that can affect your life adversely in many ways. But what about setting fire to your own property? Can you still wind up in trouble? The short answer is, “It...
Joking about arson can land you in jail
The belief that "words will never hurt me" no longer holds in the eyes of the law. What might seem like harmless banter among friends or a moment of frustration vented online can lead to real arson charges. Even if you did not intend to follow through on your threat,...
Was a fire accidental? Or was it arson?
Determining whether a fire was accidental or the result of arson is a complex process that requires a detailed investigation. For individuals facing accusations of arson in Maryland, understanding how authorities make this determination can influence the ways in which...
Understanding pyromania in arson cases
Arson is a serious crime that leads to extreme losses, including destruction of property, financial hardship and potential loss of life. Various motives for committing arson can include financial gain, revenge, vandalism or even the desire for attention. Pyromania,...