In New Jersey, arson is a serious crime that can lead to significant jail time. In order to ensure your legal counsel has the necessary time to launch a full investigation on your behalf, if you are charged with or being investigated for arson in New Jersey it is imperative to secure an experienced and aggressive defense attorney as soon as possible.
Arson is governed by N.J.S.A 2C:17-1. New Jersey law defines two categories of arson, aggravated arson and simple arson. Aggravated arson is defined as purposely starting a fire or explosion which purposely or knowingly places another in danger of death or bodily injury (pain, physical harm); purposely destroys a building of another; purposely destroys a building in order to collect insurance which recklessly puts another in danger of death or serious bodily injury; purposely destroys a building to exempt it from any State, county, or local law, regulation, or ordinance which recklessly puts another in danger of death or serious bodily injury; or purposely attempts to destroy or damage a forest. This is a second degree offense, punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
Ordinary arson is defined as starting a fire or explosion on your own property or another person’s property while recklessly: placing another person in danger, placing a building or structure in danger, or committing the crime to collect insurance from a property’s damage or destruction, or destroying or damaging a structure to get an exemption from a zoning law, planning law, regulation, etc., or placing a forest in danger of either destruction or damage. This is a third degree crime, punishable by 3 to 5 years and up to $15,000 in fines.
If you or a loved one is the subject of an arson charge, it is imperative to make sure you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Clifford E. Lazzaro P.C., our New Jersey arson defense lawyer, Clifford E. Lazzaro, has over 30 years of experience aggressively fighting for the rights of his clients. If you or your family member was charged with an arson offense, he is ready to help. If you would like an initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. please call 732-866-1600.