Arson

Arson Defense Attorney in Riverside

The Inland Empire is known for its warm weather and fire-spreading Santa Ana winds. Our lovely sunny days often come with a price, as our dry climate crates a tinderbox for fire hazard: both wild fires or structure fires. While Riverside & San Bernardino County wildfires are a common occurrence, many of these life-threatening and property-destroying fires are purposefully started by arsonists. The reasons are often illogical but the consequences dramatic: firefighters sitting home under financial pressure who need a wildfire “gig;” random, bored, attention-seeking folks who want to see their handiwork on the 6 PM news but have no clue as to the real cost in property and lives…

The State of California and taxpayers have to spend massive amounts of money to contain, control and put these wildfires out. Moreover, significant assets including money and investigators are also brought to bear to find and identify those responsible and to point blame. Because these big fires are in the news for days and weeks there are political pressures to find those responsible – even suspects with the slimmest evidence. These investigators will look at dozens of people and it is very possible to be caught up in a broad investigation and pegged as a likely suspect. Your whereabouts, sheer coincidence, or perhaps your actions may put you in the spotlight. You may even be responsible for a fire. It may not matter if the fire setting was unintentional. Let’s be objective and practical here – if you were actually involved, a witness to the fire setting or even in the vicinity and you did not immediately come forward – there is some explaining to do, and for that you had best show up with qualified and experienced legal counsel – or pack an overnight bag.

What is Arson?

Arson is generally thought of as someone intentionally setting fire to wild-lands, brush, trees, forests, or any kind of real property including buildings or man-made structures. Homes and commercial business structures are often primary targets. The presumed implication is that the arsonist had a measurable motive (emotional, retribution, financial gain, etc.) for starting a fire to cause harm, damage property, or cause a financial loss so as to commit insurance fraud. Arson is a serious felony charge and can be filed at the state or even the federal level, depending upon what structure or open land area was damaged by fire.

Arson Investigators are Well-Funded and Persistent

Your chances of being found out by persistent, taxpayer-funded investigators is high! These competent and capable people have the time, the money and the resources to track you down and make a case against you no matter if it is was a huge wildfire or a small structure fire. Remember… arson investigators have the unlimited deep pockets of the government, unbelievable power and authority, and arson charges should be taken very seriously. Talk to an arson defense attorney the minute you think you are under investigation or are actually facing charges.

Arson is Aggressively Investigated and Prosecuted

City, County, and State prosecutors aggressively investigate and locate suspects believed to have committed the crime of arson. The enormous capital expense that results from wildfires and structure fires puts significant political pressure on law enforcement and prosecutors to ultimately hold someone accountable.

If you or a loved one is being investigated or have already been charged with arson, it would be in your best interest to seek competent legal advice from a Riverside California arson defense attorney to help you understand the seriousness of the charges and what you can do about the situation. Serious penalties and harsh punishment can often result from state or federal arson charges. As the potential suspect or the accused, you have legal rights. Those rights are just theoretical until you decide to exercise them. Immediate attention is recommended. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Riverside California Arson Defense Lawyers

Arson Defense Lawyer Jeffrey Williams has 12-years of criminal defense experience. Mr. Williams has helped many clients get serious criminal charges dismissed, dropped, reduced or settled out of court. Mr. Williams strives to give every individual charged with arson the opportunity to understand the full implication of the charges and the subsequent penalties facing them if they were to receive an arson conviction.

The minute that you become aware that an arson investigation is being made about your possible involvement in a suspicious fire, you absolutely need to consult with an attorney: immediately.

Getting a criminal defense attorney involved at the beginning is critical. It is mandatory to observe the investigators; review their evidence collection procedures; and have a knowledgeable and respected criminal defense attorney accompany you during any and all interviews or interrogations. These key steps may provide critical opportunities for fighting the charges or getting them dismissed outright. Jeffrey Williams’ clients get every chance to defend themselves. Mr. Williams is here to help.

For immediate legal assistance day or night, contact Riverside Arson Defense Attorney Jeffrey Williams. Mr. Williams welcomes you to call him anytime (24/7) so that you or your loved-one can stand up against the arson investigation or actual arson charges.