Minneapolis Arson Lawyer and Defense Attorney
Generally, arson is the crime of deliberately and maliciously setting fire to structures or wild land areas. Acts commonly associated with an arson charge include setting a house, vehicle or church on fire, setting wooded area on fire, failing to properly extinguish a fire that you started, burning items with the intent to claim insurance money, burning evidence of a crime, setting a false alarm causing bodily injury and prohibiting access to a fire hydrant.
How Serious is an Arson Charge?
If convicted of an arson charge, a defendant can face between 90 days in jail to 20 years in prison, depending on the severity level of the alleged offense.
In Minnesota, there are seven different arson charges (click the link to view the applicable statute):
1. First-Degree Arson (maximum of 20 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine)
2. Second-Degree Arson (maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine)
3. Third-Degree Arson (maximum of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine)
4. Fourth-Degree Arson (maximum of 1 year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine)
5. Fifth-Degree Arson (maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine)
6. Wildfire Arson (maximum of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine)
7. Negligent Fires (maximum of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine)
How Can Keyser Criminal Defense Help Me?
We hire own fire experts and arson investigators to challenge the State’s evidence. We actively interview witnesses, complete fact investigation and analyze evidence rather than relying on the prosecution’s assertions and allegations. Every stage is critical in an arson investigation, therefore it is imperative you seek counsel immediately.
Our Promise
As your devoted legal representative, we will:
- Be available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns
- Investigate your case by reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses and hiring private investigators if necessary
- Thoroughly explain the charges against you, what the possible defenses are, and what the likely outcomes will be
- Explain what to expect in court and attend all court appearances with you
- Spend invaluable one-on-one time with you to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of the case
- Zealously advocate on your behalf to dismiss your case (if possible)
- Skillfully negotiate your case to minimize any jail time, prison time, probationary period or fines
- Respect you, listen to you and genuinely care about your future
Contact Arson Defense Attorney Christopher Keyser today at (612) 338-5007 for a free case evaluation or send us a direct email by filling out the “Free Consultation” form to the left of this page.
Keyser Criminal Defense represents clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.
