Arson

Arson Defense In Chicago

Chicago Arson Lawyer

Arson is one of the more serious charges you can face in Chicago. If charged, it is important that you immediately contact a Chicago criminal defense lawyer. A charge of arson in Chicago is an extremely serious charge that carries with it severe penalties upon a conviction. Consulting an attorney at the outset can help your case early on. An experienced criminal attorney like David L. Freidberg will help you throughout the investigation and prosecution. He is able to piece through the prosecutor’s theory of your case and find a way out for you. The sooner you contact David L. Freidberg, the better your chances at beating the case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with you and help you build the best defense for your arson charge in Chicago. As always, the first consultation is free.

Arson Statute

There are quite a few different types of Arson:

A person commits Arson when, by means of fire or explosive, he knowingly causes damage to real property having a value of $150 or more. Further, if the person has the intent to defraud an insurer, damages to any property, whether personal in nature or not, and the value is great than $150, he or she can also be charged with arson in Chicago.

The definition of “property” in Illinois is as follows: real or personal property in which a person other than the offender has an interest which the offender has no authority to defeat or impair, even though the offender may also have an interest in the building or property. The sentence for Arson in Chicago is a Class 2 felony, which is punishable anywhere from 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Aggravated Arson

Aggravated arson in Illinois is a more serious charge. A person can be charged with Aggravated Arson in Chicago if while in the act of committing an arson, he or she knowingly damages, partially or totally, any building or structure, including any adjacent building or structure, including all or any part of a school building, house trailer, watercraft, motor vehicle, or railroad car, and he or she knew or should have known that another person was present inside or that other person suffers great bodily harm as a result of the arson.

Arson can also be upgraded in Chicago if a fireman, policeman, or correctional officer, acting in the line of duty, is injured as a result of the arson. The sentence for Aggravated Arson in Illinois is a Class X felony, punishable anywhere from 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The Arson statute can be found at http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K20-1

Residential Arson

A person commits the offense of residential Arson when, in the course of committing an Arson, he or she knowingly damages, partially or totally, any building or structure that is the dwelling place of another. The sentence for Residential Arson is a Class 1 felony, punishable from 4 to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Place of Worship Arson

• (a) A person commits the offense of place of worship Arson when, in the course of committing an Arson, he or she knowingly damages, partially or totally, any place of worship.
• (b) Sentence. Place of worship Arson is a Class 1 felony.

Possession of Explosives or Explosive or Incendiary Devices

A person commits the offense of possession of explosives or explosive or incendiary devices in violation of this Section when he or she possesses, manufactures or transports any explosive compound, timing or detonating device for use with any explosive compound or incendiary device and either intends to use such explosive or device to commit any offense or knows that another intends to use such explosive or device to commit a felony.

Possession of explosives or explosive or incendiary devices in violation of this Section is a Class 1 felony for which a person, if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to not less than 4 years and not more than 30 years.

Arson Defense in Chicago

David L. Freidberg, a Chicago arson attorney, offers a free consultation if you are facing any type of arson charge or investigation. We are experts at defending your rights and freedom and will stop at nothing to protect you. Our defense of arson cases is unmatched in Chicago as evidenced by our numerous “not guilty” verdicts at trial. Our goal is not to plea you guilty, but to make sure you have the best chance at trial. When facing the serious consequences of an arson conviction, our network of attorneys, along with our longstanding relationships with the courts and prosecutors, will enable us to give you the best result possible. That is why it is imperative to contact David L. Freidberg immediately.

Penalties For Arson Charges

David L. Freidberg is an experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive Chicago arson defense lawyer. He will work with you to develop the best possible strategy for your defense. Choosing the right lawyer can make a difference not only regarding the outcome at trial but the possible sentence that you may face. David L. Freidberg has successfully defended numerous arson cases in his more than 25 years of career as a criminal defense lawyer.

Penalties for arson in Illinois are listed above and can carry a prison sentence anywhere from 3 up to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

For a free consultation, Contact a Chicago Arson Attorney from the Law Offices of David L. Freidberg today if you have been charged with or investigated for arson in Chicago, DuPage, Maywood or Skokie areas. You have nothing to lose by making a phone call. Remember, the first consultation is free and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Arson on Federal Property