Causing damage to a house or structure by fire or explosion is defined as Arson in the State of Florida. Arson can be a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or a first degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, if the damage is to a house.

In addition to the main crime of arson, a person can be charged with a number of other related crimes. These include threatening to discharge a bomb, falsely reporting a bomb, discharging a bomb, making or attempting to make a bomb, and setting a fire to defraud an insurance company. Sometimes these charges can be filed in addition to arson and sometimes these charges are filed on their own.

An experienced West Palm Beach arson attorney can explain the differences between each of the complex charges associated with Arson and can advocate with the State Attorney’s Office on your behalf to ensure that no excess charges are filed unnecessarily. Richard Tendler has the experience as a criminal attorney and serves all the West Palm Beach area and other cities in the Palm Beach County. Richard can advocate on your behalf with the State Attorney’s Office and in the Courtroom in navigating the complexities of arson cases.