If you’re facing arson charges, the Lexington arson defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers are ready to protect your rights. Contact us at (859) 685-1021 today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team.
Arson investigations can be intimidating, and defendants often feel uncertain about their rights or how evidence will be used. Working with a skilled criminal defense attorney ensures your rights are defended and your case is handled strategically.
Why Hire Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers If You’re Arrested for Arson in Lexington, KY?
Facing arson charges in Lexington, KY, is overwhelming, no matter what the circumstances are. In this situation, it’s critical to work with a legal team that truly understands these cases and how to defend you. Our firm stands out because of our deep experience and unique background.
Here’s what you get when you choose Suhre & Associates:
- Our attorneys have 100+ years of combined experience
- We bring unique insight into every defense case because we have former police officers and prosecutors on our legal team
- Our team has been chosen for the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- We’ve earned a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo
From the moment you contact us, you’ll have direct access to a dedicated attorney who knows how to handle these cases in Lexington, KY. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington criminal defense lawyer.
Overview of Arson in Kentucky
Arson means setting fire to a building or property on purpose or acting so carelessly that a fire happens. In Kentucky, the law always treats this crime as a felony. How the fire started, who might get hurt, and the reasons behind it determine how severe the charge is.
First-Degree Arson
First-degree arson is the most serious type of arson. Prosecutors file this charge when the fire is started on purpose, during which the building is in use, or someone is seriously hurt as a result.
Second-Degree Arson
Second-degree arson covers cases of intentionally setting fire to another person’s building when nobody is meant to be there, or starting a fire for money, like trying to collect an insurance payment.
Third-Degree Arson
This charge covers situations where someone recklessly starts a fire that damages a building.
Every level of arson in Kentucky law recognizes how dangerous fire can be for both people and property, but the exact details of the act control how severely a person will be punished.
What Are the Penalties for Arson in Lexington, Kentucky?
Arson is a very serious crime, and the penalties depend on the degree of the charge.
Here’s what you could be facing:
- First-Degree Arson: This is the most severe type of arson charge. Potential penalties include between 20 and 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-Degree Arson: Second-degree arson carries 10 to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-Degree Arson: Penalties for third-degree arson include 1 to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
If you’re facing any degree of arson charge, you should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to get started on your defense.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Arson?
If you’re facing arson charges, it’s important to know the different defenses that may come into play.
Below is an overview of defenses lawyers commonly explore in these cases:
Lack of Intent
Depending on the degree of arson being charged, you either have to have set the fire intentionally or done so recklessly. If there’s evidence showing that the fire started completely by accident, your lawyer can argue that there was no intent and therefore no criminal act.
Mistaken Identity
It’s possible for police to identify and arrest the wrong person. A good way to show mistaken identity is to provide alibi evidence, which means you weren’t even at the location when the fire was set.
Insufficient Evidence
Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you caused the fire either intentionally or recklessly. If there are gaps in the evidence or there just isn’t a way to show that you are the person who set the fire, your lawyer can argue that the prosecutor hasn’t met their burden.
Damage to Your Own Property
If you owned the structure that caught fire and did not act fraudulently or break insurance laws, that can change the level of the charge or even prevent a criminal case from going forward.
Plea Deals
If it looks like prosecutors have a strong case, your lawyer might work to negotiate a plea deal. This is an agreement to plead guilty to a less serious charge, which can sometimes mean less severe penalties.
If you find yourself in this position, consider speaking with an attorney to discuss what strategy makes the most sense for your case.
Arson defense in Lexington is complex, but you don’t have to struggle through it on your own. With the right help, you can get answers about the process and learn what to expect at every stage. No matter how the situation looks right now, everyone accused has rights and ways to fight back against these charges. Let us help.
Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington arson defense attorney.
