Arson

There are many ways for people to start a fire. Some people fall asleep smoking a cigarette. Others might have accidents while cooking in the kitchen or using a grill. Candles, oil lamps and tools, such as butane torches, are also potential sources of house fires. A...

What separates arson from a house fire is often the intent of the person who started the fire at issue. Investigators looking into the circumstances of a house fire may review an individual's finances and their conduct leading up to the fire. Factors such as the...

Sometimes, arson may seem like a violent crime. If people set fire to an occupied residence, those inside the building are at great risk of injury or death. Other times, arson could potentially have a financial incentive. People may engage in insurance fraud involving...

Fire has the potential to be profoundly destructive. A fire that starts in someone's backyard could spread to nearby buildings or vegetation. People involved in a fire could face major property damage or severe injuries. Many fires are accidental. Other times, people...

Protests are a powerful form of expression, often used by people to speak out against injustice. Protests have helped push for policy changes and or raise awareness of social issues. While most demonstrations are peaceful, some can turn chaotic.  A disorderly protest...

Arson is a serious crime. It can cause catastrophic property damage and can lead to severe injury or death for people nearby at the time of the fire. Arson can involve personal property, such as vehicles. Frequently, arson involves real property. Sometimes, arson is a...

Fires can be dangerous, if not outright deadly. As such, the law prohibits people from intentionally setting fires that could injure other people or cause significant property damage. Many of the most serious arson cases prosecuted in Maryland involved dwelling units...

Facing arson charges is a challenging undertaking, but it’s one that must be taken seriously. There are times when the arson might also be connected with insurance fraud, which increases the complexity of the case.  In Maryland, arson for profit occurs if someone...

When a fire breaks, there are sometimes suspicious circumstances present. This triggers the need for investigators to treat the affected area like a crime scene, which includes doing a thorough investigation. Arson investigations are a bit different from other...

Arguments can be intense, emotional and sometimes unpredictable. In the heat of the moment, people often say things they don’t mean, sometimes to hurt, sometimes to win and sometimes just to get a reaction. But there are certain lines that should never be crossed, and...