Arson Is Classified As A Violent Crime And A Felony Crime In Massachusetts
Boston Arson and Insurance Fraud Defense Attorneys
In the state of Massachusetts, arson is defined as a willful act — not the accidental act of burning of any type of building or dwelling. If you accidentally burn down your friend’s home by carelessly flicking a lighted cigarette, that is not considered and act of arson, but if you deliberately set fire to any type of structure you can expect to have the full force of the law brought against you.
Fire Insurance Fraud and Other Crimes You Man Be Charged With For Arson Crimes
You can be charged with the felony crime of arson whether or not the building was vacant or inhabited. If you set fire to a building that was occupied, and someone is injured or killed in the fire, by smoke, building collapse, or while attempting to escape a burning building, you can be charged with additional crimes including aggravated assault or murder.
Massachusetts law imposes more serious penalties if you set fire to a home or dwelling rather than an office building, warehouse or factory, with prison terms of up to 20 years even if no one is injured.
People accused of arson may also find themselves charged with insurance fraud if it can be shown that the building or dwelling was ignited in order to collect insurance money.
Charged With Arson or Insurance Fraud? Let Our Boston Area Dense Lawyers Help
In order to prove charges of arson, trained investigators inspect buildings that have burned as soon after the fire as possible. Our attorneys will work to hold arson investigators accountable and refute their findings if they lack of experience or diligence. We will attempt to clear you of all charges if it can be shown that the fire was accidental or coincidental.
If additional charges have been filed as a result of the arson (assault, attempted murder, etc.), our criminal defense attorneys will work with the district attorney to secure the best outcome possible in your case.
Free Consultation • Experienced Boston Arson Defense Attorneys
Our knowledgeable and experienced Massachusetts arson criminal defense attorneys are available to assist clients throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to the counties of the counties of Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol and the cities of Boston, Brockton, Taunton, Bridgewater, Weymouth, Hingham, Quincy, Plymouth, Marshfield, Attleboro, Canton, Stoughton and all smaller cities and rural areas in Southern Massachusetts.
No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our Boston Arson Defense Lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422. You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.
