Colorado Arson Attorney

Under Colorado law, arson requires a person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly set fire to, burn, or use an explosive device to damage or destroy your own property, or damage or destroy the property of another without that person’s consent.

Arson rises to the level of a felony in Colorado if you burn a building or occupied structure, or you burn the property with the intent to defraud someone, or you commit the arson intentionally or knowingly. Felony arson in Colorado can carry stiff penalties; for example, the burning of a building or occupied structure with explosives carries up to 32 years in prison. The use of an explosive is considered a “crime of violence” in Colorado.

In Colorado, arson rises to the level of a misdemeanor when you burn property that is not considered a building or occupied structure, without fraudulent intent, the damage is worth less than $100, and nobody was endangered by the burning. The penalties for misdemeanor arson range from up to a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Arson laws can be complicated and varied depending on which degree you are charged with and the unique facts of your case. The language in the law of arson contains terms that have specific legal definitions. For example, what exactly falls under the category of a “building” or an “occupied structure?” What does it mean to act “intentionally,” “knowingly,” or “recklessly?” The answers to these questions can be best answered by an experienced defense attorney familiar with Colorado’s arson laws. At Weber Law, our attorneys can navigate the law and fight your case with careful precision. Some possible defenses we may explore in your case include:

-The owner of the property gave you consent to burn it.
-No persons were endangered by the fire.
-Setting fire to your own property can be a partial defense.
-You did not act with the required intent because the fire was accidental.
-It is a partial defense if the property was worth less than $100.
-The damaged property is not classified as a building or occupied structure.
-You had no intention to defraud anyone by setting the fire.

If you or someone you know has been accused of arson in Colorado, Weber Law is ready to help. Call us now to schedule a free consultation and let us get started on planning a strategy to win your case.

• CRS 18-4-102 First degree arson
• CRS 18-4-103 Second degree arson
• CRS 18-4-104 Third degree arson
• CRS 18-4-105 Fourth degree arson