Washington Arson DEFENSE LAWYER
Have you been charged with Arson? Let us help you today!
In Washington, being charged with Arson can come with hefty fines and a record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
Washington Arson Charges and Penalties
What is the Statute?
There are two (2) degrees of arson. RCW 9A.48.020 defines arson in the first degree. RCW 9A.48.030 defines arson in the second degree.
First Degree
A person is guilty of arson in the first degree if he or she knowingly and maliciously:
1. Causes a fire or explosion which is manifestly dangerous to any human life, including firefighters;
2. Causes a fire or explosion which damages a dwelling;
3. Causes a fire or explosion in any building in which there shall be at the time a human being who is not a participant in the crime; or
4. Causes a fire or explosion on property valued at ten thousand dollars or more with intent to collect insurance proceeds.
Second Degree
A person is guilty of arson in the second degree if he or she knowingly and maliciously causes a fire or explosion which damages a building, or any structure or erection appurtenant to or joining any building, or any wharf, dock, machine, engine, automobile, or other motor vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, bridge, or trestle, or hay, grain, crop, or timber, whether cut or standing or any range land, or pasture land, or any fence, or any lumber, shingle, or other timber products, or any property.
Relevant Definitions
“Building,” in addition to its ordinary meaning, includes any dwelling, fenced area, vehicle, railway car, cargo container, or any other structure used for lodging of persons or for carrying on business therein, or for the use, sale, or deposit of goods; each unit of a building consisting of two or more units separately secured or occupied is a separate building. Where a building consists of two or more units separately secured or occupied, each unit is not treated as a separate building.
“Dwelling” refers to any building or structure, though movable or temporary, or a portion thereof, which is used or ordinarily used by a person for lodging.
“Damages,” in addition to its ordinary meaning, includes any charring, scorching, burning, or breaking, or agricultural or industrial sabotage, and shall include any diminution in the value of any property as a consequence of an act.
“Property” refers to anything of value, whether tangible or intangible, whether real or personal.
“Property of another” refers to property in which the actor possesses anything less than exclusive ownership. However, to constitute arson it is not necessary that a person other than the actor has ownership in the building or structure damaged or set on fire.
Crimes similar to Arson
Reckless burning is also a crime in Washington. There are two (2) degrees of reckless burning.
A person is guilty of reckless burning in the first degree if he or she recklessly damages a building or other structure or any vehicle, railway car, aircraft, or watercraft or any hay, grain, crop, or timber whether cut or standing, by knowingly causing a fire or explosion. Reckless burning in the first degree is a class C felony.
A person is guilty of reckless burning in the second degree if he or she knowingly causes a fire or explosion, whether on his or her own property or that of another, and thereby recklessly places a building or other structure, or any vehicle, railway car, aircraft, or watercraft, or any hay, grain, crop or timber, whether cut or standing, in danger of destruction or damage. Reckless burning in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor.
What is the Punishment?
First Degree
Arson in the first degree is a class A felony. A class A felony is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a maximum term fixed by the court of not less than 20 years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than $50,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.
Second Degree
Arson in the second degree is a class B felony. A class B felony is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a maximum term of not more than 10 years, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more $20,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.
Even as a Defendant of a Crime, you still have Rights! Make sure yours were not violated!
Even as an individual facing criminal charges, you have rights. It is important to know those rights and make sure that they were not violated in any way when you were arrested or charged. Without extensive knowledge of your rights when it comes to police searches, Miranda rights, and your rights when it comes to arrest, it is extremely difficult to get a dismissal or reduction of your charges. Do not try and fight these charges on your own, Weber Law is ready to help you today.
Contact Weber Law immediately if you’ve been arrested on an arson charge. We offer a free confidential case evaluation – serving Seattle and the surrounding areas.
"He did everything he could to solve my case. There was no moment where I felt like I was alone. He went to his full extent to help me lower my charges. Great lawyer.”
How can you fight a charge of Arson, and how can Weber Law help?
If you have been cited for Arson in Washington, there are a few ways Weber Law can fight for you. Whether it is negotiating to lower the charge to a lesser crime, reducing your fine amount or jail time, making sure the charge does not go on your record, or defending you at trial, Weber Law will work for you every step of the way. By looking at potential evidence such as security cameras, and eyewitness testimony, Weber Law will make sure to look at all the details of your case. At Weber Law, we are experienced in defending these types of charges, winning these types of cases, and getting you back to everyday life. If you or anyone you know has been cited with Arson in the state of Washington, call Weber Law today for a consultation.
RCW 9A.04.110 – Definitions
RCW 9A.48.010 – Definitions
RCW 9A.48.020 – Arson in the first degree
RCW 9A.48.030 – Arson in the second degree
RCW 9A.48.040 – Reckless burning in the first degree
RCW 9A.48.050 – Reckless burning in the second degree
A Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
Weber Law will aggressively fight for your rights. Contact us today!
We believe that justice is an idea that can triumph only when living people make it so. We are dedicated to justice. We wish to run a business that is at once profitable while allowing us to promote the rights of our fellow community members. We will stand for the poor when they are in need and their cause is just. We will work for any responsible business. We will represent all races, creeds, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
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810 3rd Avenue Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98104