Arson
Lawrence NJ Arson Defense Lawyer
Deliberately setting a fire has serious consequences in Lawrence and other Mercer County municipalities under the New Jersey Arson Law. Whether the property ignited is abandoned, vacated land or even a car, the penalties for intentionally setting it a fire include the potential for years in prison. There is no room to take such a charge lightly under these circumstances nor doubt that the services of a skilled defense lawyer are warranted. With an attorney who is knowledgeable in criminal defense of an arson offense and familiar with the Criminal Division in Trenton, you will be armed with exactly what you need to fully protect yourself from a conviction and penalties that apply to this charge. The attorneys at our criminal firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, have the qualifications you need to be looking for with over a century of experience, including service as prosecutors. We have the know how and commitment to secure the very best outcome in an arson case arising in Hopewell Township, Ewing, Hamilton, Trenton, Princeton or elsewhere in the county. Contact our office in Lawrence or another location for a free consultation with one of our lawyers anytime 24/7.
Arson Charge in Trenton New Jersey
Since an arson offense is a third degree crime that falls within the jurisdiction of the Mercer County Superior Court, your case will be sent to that venue in Trenton. Your guilt or innocence will hinge on whether or not a jury believes you violated N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1b. Arson is committed under this law if someone purposely sets a fire or causes an explosion that (1) recklessly places a person, property or a forest at risk of injury or damage; (2) is to collect insurance proceeds; (3) is to take advantage of a zoning, building law or other regulation.
Relationship Between Arson & Aggravated Arson
As previously stated, arson is a third degree crime as compared to aggravated arson which is a second degree crime. An individual may also face a first degree arson offense. The primary difference between these charges lies in the fact that while both require purposely setting a fire, there is no intent to injure or damage with an arson offense. The resulting damage/injury is the result of recklessness.
Penalties for Arson
The penalties for this pedigree of 2C:17-1 offense include a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 5 years in state prison. An individual may also be ordered to make restitution at the time of sentencing for this third degree crime.
Diversion Through Pretrial Intervention
The Pretrial Intervention Program allows a first time offender to avoid prosecution for a third degree crime like Arson. An individual must successfully complete a period of supervision (a.k.a. probation) that is customarily one year. Fulfillment of the program results in a dismissal of the criminal charge without any record of conviction.
Hamilton Township Arson Attorney
Hamilton Township is the most populated municipality in Mercer County which makes it as big a player in the region for arson offenses as any. If you were charged with arson in the town or another, for example, East Windsor, Pennington, Robbinsville, Hightstown or West Windsor, an attorney at our firm is ready to defend you. We are former prosecutors with decades of experience defending assault and threat crimes like arson. Lawyers at the Marshall Firm are available any time of day or night to provide a thorough review of the facts and law relating to your arson case. To speak to a lawyer immediately, call our Hamilton Office.