Arson

Regardless of whether a fire is started intentionally or recklessly, the person responsible will be facing arson charges. The only difference is the degree of the crime. There are 4 different degrees of Arson. The first degree is charged to a person that either hired another individual to commit arson, was hired to commit arson, or set fire to a place of worship. The second degree (also known as “Aggravated Arson”) is reserved for those who knowingly set a fire in an attempt to cause bodily harm to another person or destroy another person’s property. The third degree is reserved for those that purposely started a fire that recklessly resulted in a risk of bodily harm to another person or harm to another person’s property. The fourth degree is reserved for those that have a legal, contractual, or official obligation to prevent or fight a fire and fail to take reasonable steps to perform their obligations or fail to report a fire. The penalties of all four degrees of the crime include jail time and in some cases, mandatory sentences. Here are the penalties for each degree:

First Degree Arson

-10-20 year prison sentence and up to $200,000 in fines

Second Degree Aggravated Arson

-5-10 year prison sentence and up to $150,000 in fines

Third Degree Arson

-3-5 year prison sentence and up to $15,000 in fines

Fourth Degree Arson

-Up to an 18 month prison sentence and $10,000 in fines

Defenses Against Arson Charges

If you have been charged with Arson, regardless of the degree of the crime, you will need to have an attorney on your side. Notice that the penalties above mention “up-to” a certain amount and in most cases those penalties will not reach the maximum unless you do not have an experienced professional defending you. Fred Sisto can prepare a defense on your behalf by utilizing any of the following defense strategies, among many others:

Raising reasonable doubt regarding whether the State gathered evidence of how the fire was started in a professional manner.
Impeaching the State’s expert witness regarding whether the fire was set intentionally.
Demonstrating that the fire was not started intentionally in order to reduce the degree of the crime.
Gathering evidence of third party guilt

Regardless of your unique situation, Fred Sisto can defend you professionally and help you through a very difficult time in your life. Call Fred Sisto at 732-898-3232 for a free consultation regarding your situation.

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 288 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Thank you very much for your information on DUI check points. It is a great asset to the community . 5 stars for sure!
     James P 
 
 
 
 
    Not to long ago I ran into a very serious legal issue for the first time in my life, I'm closing in on 60.  Needless to say I was unsure of the process.  I was fortunate that a friend recommended Fred.  Fred handled my case in a professional and courteous manner yet was very down to earth and straight forward.  It took nearly 9 month to resolve and during that time Fred was always available to answer questions, explain the process and most of all alleviate my stress.  I feel we got the best possible outcome and I would highly recommend Fred to anyone facing a legal/criminal matter
     Manny P 
 
 
 
 
    Great that Fred posts DUI for Monmouth County!
     David F 
 
 
 
 
    I recently utilized his exceptional services and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal advice.
     Mark A 
 
 
 
 
    Mr. Fred Sisto is really an amazing attorney! Professional, knowledgeable, and effective. He made me feel comfortable in knowing he was working countless hours on my case to get me the best possible outcome. Mr. Sisto was very responsive and kept me updated with all court proceedings/updates. I am thankful to have had him represent me. I will be recommending Mr. Sisto & his firm to anyone in need. Thanks again ! Much Appreciated
     Javier B 
 
 
 
 
    Called back within 10 minutes,very easy to talk to. Not judgmental at all. I am hopeful about the outcome.
     Colleen H 
 
 
 
 
    Great!!! , got my case handled in the exact manner that I was told and would recommend to everyone else in need of legal representation .
     Raumelis R 
 
 
 
 
    Mr. Sisto was not only a knowledgeable and excellent lawyer, he was compassionate and understanding during this difficult time. I found Mr. Sisto to always be available and he services were affordable and effective. You will not find a better lawyer.
     Joseph S 
 
 
 
 
    Always up to date on with his services.
     Anthony L 
 
 
 
 
    He is the best  professional to have on your side taking care of your interests. Your in the best of hands.
     Stuart C