As the old adage goes, “If you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned.” But playing with fire may also land you in jail. In New Jersey, Arson is defined as the intentional or reckless causing of a fire or explosion. If you have been charged with Arson, you do not want to get burned in court. You need to hire the right Burlington County Arson Attorney to handle your case. Attorney Mark Catanzaro has nearly 30 years of experience defending criminal cases and knows what it takes to obtain a favorable outcome for his clients.
ARSON IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE
New Jersey law recognizes four degrees of Arson:
- First Degree (Arson for Hire) – Being paid, or offering to pay someone, to start a fire or cause an explosion; or committing arson at a place of worship (church, synagogue, etc.)
- Second Degree (Aggravated Arson) – Committing arson with the knowledge that the fire or explosion will put another person in danger of death or bodily injury; or intending to destroy another person’s property; or destroying property with the intent of collecting insurance money; or intentionally starting a forest fire
- Third Degree – Reckless, but not purposeful, starting of a fire that puts another person in danger of death or bodily injury
- Fourth Degree – Failing to prevent or take reasonable steps to put out a fire when a person has a legal, contractual, or official duty to do so
Arson convictions carry serious penalties that range from hefty fines and restitution to facing 10 to 20 years in prison. Additionally, an Aggravated Assault charge may be added if emergency personnel, such as firefighters, are injured in the course of responding to the fire or explosion.
CONTACT THE ARSON ATTORNEY OF BURLINGTON COUNTY
As your attorney, Mark Catanzaro will get to work to review and analyze the fire investigation to see if proper protocols were followed; examine witness statements to check for inconsistencies; and look for ways to discredit the State’s experts.
Unfortunately, a conviction of Arson in New Jersey remains on your criminal record permanently and cannot be expunged. This has major consequences when it comes to future employment opportunities. Putting together a winning defense and securing reconstruction experts takes time, and that is why you should contact Arson Attorney Mark Catanzaro immediately!
If you’ve been charged with Arson, fill out our contact form or call the Law Office of Mark W. Catanzaro at (609) 261-3400.