Arsons were Attempts to Cover Insurance Fraud, Murder, Even Baby Stealing
Florida Arson Laws would Provide Harsh Results for Felony Arsons
Arson is a serious criminal offense, but often, arson investigations lead authorities to discover far more sinister underlying crimes. For example, investigators examining the death of a New Jersey man who apparently died in a March, 2011, house fire discovered recently that the fire was actually arson, designed to cover up the fact that the 59-year-old man, software engineer Robert Cantor, had been shot, according to a March 8, 2011, article published in the Cliffview Pilot.
Even more horrific, an AP article published on the same day by Arizona’s KOLD News 13, reports that Maricopa, AZ, firefighters recently arrived at the scene of a fire to discover that the blaze had been set in a bedroom closet by a woman who was preparing to perform an amateur c-section on her captive, pregnant friend, in the bedroom floor. Armed with butcher knives, other implements, and baby care items, the arsonist planned to steal the baby and keep it for herself.
Sometimes, arsonists are those least likely to be suspected – or so they may think. On March 5, 2011, Mississippi’s Clarion Ledger reported that two Tchula, MS, volunteer firefighters were themselves charged with arson, after setting fire to a $3,000 Dodge Van belonging to one of the accused, in an apparent attempt at committing felony insurance fraud. Insurance fraud is a common motive for arson, but as the article noted, it is curiously common for firefighters to commit arson, whether the motive is fraud, job security, or just the opportunity to be seen as a hero for fighting the resulting fire.
In Florida, arson charges are felonies that apply to the willful and unlawful damaging of a structure with fire or by causing an explosion, or where a structure fire results from your activities while committing another felony, like burglary, and these serious criminal charges can produce harsh results for the accused criminal defendants. Intentionally burning items like vehicles may result in a Florida criminal mischief charge, but depending on the value of the destroyed property, you could be charged with a felony in that situation, as well.
If you’ve been charged with arson in Florida, you should seek competent legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with Florida arson law. Arson charges are a serious matter in Florida, and taking the wrong approach to your court defense could land you in a state prison, subject you to fines or other consequences, and stick you with a felony criminal record that will follow you for a lifetime. A knowledgeable arson law attorney can help guide you on the most prudent course toward protecting yourself from the effects of a Florida criminal conviction for arson.
