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California Arson Laws & Penalties

All arson charges can be tried as a felony resulting in up to 9 years in prison and up to $50k in fines. Enhancement exists for property damage, bodily injury, death, & prior convictions. When a home or commercial building is harmed, prison sentences can stretch as long as 8 years. If there are certain factors present in a case, such as multiple persons being injured by the fire, multiple structures being burned, or significant amount of damage, they may increase the punishment up to life in prison. Under California law, all arson charges are considered serious felonies and are therefore "strikes" under the Three Strikes Law. In some instances, an arson charge may be reduced to the lesser charge of "reckless burning," which requires lesser punishment and is not considered a strike.

Arson Trial Process in California

In most trials for arson, the prosecutor will call an arson investigator as an expert to testify to his opinion that a fire was an arson. In order to successfully defend against an arson charge at trial, it is crucial for the defense attorney to have knowledge and experience in arson cases to effectively cross-examine the expert.

In many cases, the opinion of the arson investigator is the only way the prosecutor can prove that a fire was an arson. An effective defense attorney knows how to challenge the basis for this opinion so that the jury does not take the statements of the expert without questioning whether the statements are credible or not.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

When facing criminal charges, it's crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced defense attorney on your side. At Law Offices of Christian Kim, our team is dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of our clients in Irvine, Santa Ana, Tustin, and throughout Orange County.

Attorney Christian Kim spent part of his career with the Orange County District Attorney's Office assigned to the Special Prosecutions Unit. Part of his duties in that unit was to prosecute arson cases. In fact, while assigned to that unit, Mr. Kim was responsible for handling all arson cases in Orange County. As a result, he has extensive knowledge and experience in cases involving arson, which he now uses to provide quality representation to his clients who have been accused of arson.

Benefits of hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer include:

  • Expert legal guidance and advice
  • Strong defense strategies tailored to your case
  • Negotiation with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
  • Protection of your constitutional rights
  • Peace of mind during a stressful and challenging time

If you have been charged with arson, contact the Law Offices of Christian Kim to speak to an attorney who has the experience needed to provide you with the best possible defense. Call (714) 576-2935 today to schedule your free consultation.


 

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the potential consequences of an arson charge in California?

Arson charges in California can result in up to 9 years in prison, fines of up to $50,000, and are considered serious felonies under the Three Strikes Law.

Can an arson charge be reduced to a lesser offense?

In some instances, an arson charge may be reduced to the lesser charge of 'reckless burning,' which carries lesser punishment and is not considered a strike.

What is the trial process for arson cases in California?

In arson trials, the prosecutor often calls an arson investigator as an expert witness. It is crucial for the defense attorney to effectively cross-examine the expert and challenge their opinion.

How can I get the best possible defense if charged with arson?

If you have been charged with arson, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced defense attorney who can provide quality representation. Contact the Law Offices of Christian Kim for a free consultation.

 Qualities of a Top-Tier Attorney

 When it Comes to Your Attorney, Experience Matters
  • Commitment
    Attorney Christian Kim is committed to using his extensive experience as a former prosecutor and as a Santa Ana criminal defense attorney to aggressively and competently defend the rights of those accused of wrongdoing.
  • Integrity
    Mr. Kim believes that anything less than complete honesty is a disservice to his clients. You deserve complete and frank communication from your attorney in order to make informed decisions in your case.
  • Professionalism
    Maintaining the highest level of professionalism with all of his clients is a priority for Mr. Kim. Each client is treated respectfully and courteously and all phone calls are returned promptly.
  • Experience
    After more than 7 years serving the Orange County area as a prosecutor and now over 14 years as a criminal defense attorney, Christian Kim has experience on both sides. His unique history gives him the one-of-a-kind perspective that your case needs.
Law Offices of Christian Kim Law Offices of Christian Kim
Christian was extremely helpful through every process of my case. He was able to get my case dismissed entirely.

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