Portland Arson Defense Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Portland, Oregon

Arson is a felony offense, and a conviction may result in a number of harsh penalties under Oregon statutes. Arson is the criminal act of starting a fire or causing an explosion which results in property damage. This may be damage to another’s property or damage to one’s own property for the purpose of insurance fraud. Arson may be committed out of malice, to cause injury, to hide evidence of another crime or to commit murder.

When facing arson charges, a Portland defense attorney will be your only hope of avoiding a conviction and the harsh criminal penalties associated with this. Because arson is a felony offense, a defendant convicted of this offense may face a mandatory minimum term of incarceration in a state correctional facility for 1 year. Not only that, additional penalties may be assessed (such as fines, restitution, community service and probation) and the defendant will have a mark on his or her criminal record for life.

An arson conviction will have detrimental consequences for your life both now and in the future. Your only chance is to work with a defense lawyer who has the knowledge and the dedication necessary to aggressively assert and protect your rights both in and out of the courtroom. At our firm, we are dedicated to providing a level of legal counsel that will make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Arson Charges and Penalties in Portland

Arson may be classified as first degree arson or second degree arson. The general definition of and penalties for these offenses are outlined below:

• Second degree arson:
• Starting a fire or causing an explosion and intentionally damaging any building that is not protected property, or any property of another causing more than $750 in damages.
• This is a Class C felony, and the maximum sentence is 5 years in state prison.
• First degree arson:
• Starting a fire or causing an explosion and intentionally damaging the protected property of another person, placing another in danger of physical injury, or causing serious injury to a peace officer or firefighter.
• This is a Class A felony, and the maximum sentence is 20 years in state prison.

Contact a Portland arson defense lawyer at our firm regarding your case and charges.