Call now

Castle Rock Arson Lawyer

2022 Winner - Best of the Springs
Lawyer of the Year - American Institute of Legal Professionals
Colorado Bar Association
Top 40 The National Trial Lawyers
Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers
AVVO 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Criminal Defense

Castle Rock Arson Attorney

Google Reviews
divider

If you or someone you love has been accused of arson in Castle Rock, you need strong legal counsel on your side immediately. Arson allegations can totally disrupt and devastate your life. At Right Law Group, we have decades of experience successfully defending clients against complex arson charges across Colorado. Our Castle Rock arson lawyers will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence, build a tireless defense, and negotiate aggressively for the best possible outcome in your case.

Arson Charges and Penalties in Colorado

Simply put, arson occurs when someone knowingly damages any property by means of fire or explosives. However, there are a number of factors that determine the specific degree of arson charges and the associated penalties:

Degree Definition Penalty
First-degree arson Damages to a building or occupied structure regardless of the value of the building 4-12 years in prison
Second-degree arson Damages over $100 2-6 years in prison
Second-degree arson Damages below $100 120 days jail
Third-degree arson Intentionally damaging a property with fire or explosives with the intent to defraud 2-6 years in prison
Fourth-degree arson Knowingly or recklessly burning property that places another in danger of serious bodily injury or death or places a building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage 2-6 years in prison

In addition to a possible prison sentence, those convicted of arson in Colorado face substantial fines and restitution to cover the cost of damaged property and fire response. These financial penalties can easily reach six or seven figures for higher degrees of arson.

Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or even dismissed by exposing flaws in the prosecution’s arson investigation and evidence. The stakes are incredibly high, so building an aggressive legal defense from day one is absolutely crucial.
castle rock criminal defense attorney

Act Fast to Start Building Your Arson Defense

divider

If confronted with arson allegations, you must exercise your right to remain silent and immediately contact our law offices. The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can construct your defense strategy.

An independent investigation by our firm could uncover important facts the police overlooked or willfully ignored. We’ll look closely at the fire marshal’s arson evidence and determine if the science truly stacks up. Any holes we find can weaken the D.A.’s case.

For example, we’ll scrutinize if all accidental or natural causes were adequately ruled out. Electrical faults, lightning strikes, and chemical reactions can all lead to fires mistaken for arson. If an arson finding rests on junk science or questionable techniques, we won’t hesitate to call in independent fire experts to challenge the prosecution’s conclusions.

Why Our Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys Get Results

With decades of combined experience, our Castle Rock criminal defense lawyers offer in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s complex arson laws and defense strategies.

Our firm includes attorneys who previously worked as prosecutors, so we understand precisely how the state builds an arson case. We know how law enforcement agencies and fire marshals work together to develop arson theories. This gives us unique insight into the weaknesses we can exploit to undermine the prosecution’s version of events.

Throughout your case, you’ll have a dedicated legal team providing personalized attention and clear guidance through every step of the process. We’ll explain the complex legal issues in easy terms, answer all of your questions, address any concerns, and provide the moral support you need during this highly stressful time. Our sole focus is achieving the most favorable result for you.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation on Your Arson Case

The legal stakes are extremely high when facing felony arson charges that could result in decades behind bars and massive financial penalties. But you don’t have to go through this fight alone. Right Law Group offers free case consultations to start building your custom-tailored defense strategy.

Schedule a free case review, and one of our Colorado arson defense attorneys will evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, discuss possible defenses, and provide our honest assessment of the most favorable outcome we can target, given the facts of your case.

If we identify weaknesses in the state’s arson case, we can immediately begin formulating an aggressive defense strategy focused on reasonable doubt. We’ll also initiate negotiations with the D.A. and work relentlessly to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain.

Working with a skilled arson defense attorney is essential when you’ve been charged with arson due to the severe penalties you could be facing.

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Colorado criminal procedure

divider
  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

divider

How much does the testimony of fire marshals influence arson convictions?

Fire marshal testimony often heavily influences arson trial outcomes. However, some investigative techniques, like burn pattern analysis, lack scientific rigor. An experienced legal team can scrutinize the objectivity of fire investigations to identify bias.

What if I took actions that unintentionally resulted in a fire?

Acts of recklessness that unintentionally cause a fire may potentially lead to 3rd- or 4th-degree arson charges. But if you lacked any actual intent to cause damage, experienced arson defense attorneys can often defeat the charges.

Can juveniles be tried as adults for arson in Colorado?

Yes, prosecutors can charge juveniles as adults for arson depending on the degree of charges and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Consulting an attorney is critical to avoid incumbent harsh penalties.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don't Gamble Your Future - An Arson Defense Lawyer Is Ready to Help

divider

Facing arson accusations can feel absolutely terrifying. Your reputation, livelihood, family, and freedom are all under threat. The prosecutors and fire marshals seem aligned against you. Who can you really trust to take on such serious allegations?

At Right Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of clients resolve their most daunting criminal charges across Colorado. When everything seems lost, we’re the relentless, passionate advocates you want fighting for your future. Our attorneys and staff make it their mission to achieve the best possible outcome in your unique circumstances.

With 3 Colorado office locations, we’re conveniently located to provide unwavering legal defense services for arson charges anywhere in the region. Don’t leave your fate to chance. Contact Right Law Group now to schedule a free consultation and get dedicated counsel and courageous representation when you need it most. This is a battle you don’t have to wage alone. We’re ready to stand with you.

Areas Served

divider

El Paso County

Douglas County

map

Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville