Lubbock Arson Attorney

Arson Charges in Texas

At the Law Office of Cynthia Mendoza, our Lubbock arson defense attorney has over 12 years of in-depth legal experience. As a result, she has a comprehensive understanding of Texas criminal law in addition to a long track record of success. Regardless of the severity of the charges against you, Attorney Mendoza can efficiently guide you through the criminal process and help you pursue the results you need. Our legal team will work relentlessly to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed completely.

What is Arson?

Arson charges in Texas can come about in many different ways. They can be brought when a fire is intended to damage or destroy structures, open-space land, vegetation, or fences. It is important to know that arson happens either when there is proof of recklessness when starting a fire, or when there is intent to cause damage and destroy. This means arson charges can be brought if an individual was careless when setting fire to their own property and the fire spread to another person’s property, or if it caused damage to another individual.

What are the Penalties for Arson?

An arson offense is charged as a first degree felony if someone dies or suffers bodily injury or if the property was a church or residency. The penalties for first degree felony arson include:

• Fines up to $10,000
• 5 to 99 years in prison

An arson offense will be charged as a second degree felony if the act was only intended to cause damage and only ended up causing damage to property. The penalties for second degree felony arson include:

• Fines up to $10,000
• 2 to 20 years in prison

Being convicted of arson could result in decades in prison, which is why it is imperative to retain effective and experienced representation. We can discuss your case with you and help you figure out your next best steps for moving forward.