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Arson Criminal Defense Attorney in Marietta, GA

The Merchant Law Firm

Arson is an extremely serious offense that involves the destruction of property by fire or by the use of an explosive. Throughout our years of criminal defense practice, our legal team has found that many arson allegations are the result of erroneous law enforcement investigations. After any type of fire, law enforcement officers typically conduct investigations to discover the cause.

Often, they commit a number of mistakes or rely too heavily on circumstantial evidence. As a result, they wrongly prosecute defendants who are entirely innocent or who contributed to the fire without intent and by pure accident. As experienced representation can effectively disprove a prosecution's case, your first priority after you have been arrested and charged for arson should be working with our team of Marietta criminal defense attorneys.

Georgia prosecutes arson under several different criminal offenses. These include:

Arson in the First Degree

First degree arson, Georgia Code § 16-7-60, is committed when a person knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels or procures another to damage by fire or explosive:

  • Any dwelling house without consent, whether it is occupied, unoccupied, or vacant
  • Any building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft or other structure
  • Any house, building, vehicle, or other property with intent to defraud spouse or co-owner
  • Any property when it reasonably foreseeable that human life might be endangered

Arson in the first degree is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for a maximum of 20 years, or both.

Arson in the Second Degree

Damage to any structure or property not included under arson in the first degree can be charged as arson in the second degree. Punishment includes fines up to $25,000, imprisonment up to ten years, or both.

Arson in the Third Degree

An individual commits arson in the third degree when they knowingly damage or knowingly cause another to damage by fire or by explosive any personal property of another with a value of $25 or more. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Get a Marietta Criminal Attorney with Two Decades of Combined Experience

Having practiced criminal defense for nearly two decades, our legal team is fully prepared to handle even the most challenging cases. Arson is a serious allegation and requires meticulous preparation and dedication.

If you would like to learn more about your case and how our firm can be of assistance, contact The Merchant Law Firm today!

Why You Should Entrust Our Firm:

  • Respected Legal Commentator

    Ashleigh Merchant is frequently featured on local and national news media, where she is asked to share her commentary on major cases.

  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, Ashleigh Merchant

    Included in the 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ edition. This list is compiled after thorough peer reviews and nominations.

  • Repeat Rising Star Winner, John B. Merchant

    Named among the Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ for 2009 through 2011. The list includes 2.5% of attorneys in the state.

  • Earned "Superb" Ratings on Avvo - 10.0

    Both our attorneys have earned the prestigious 10.0 Superb score on Avvo, which is the highest rating an attorney can receive.

Former Client Testimonials

  • “Ms. Merchant was fierce when she argued my case...”

    Happy Client

  • “Jennifer and Ashleigh were always there to listen to my concerns and genuinely cared about my son and his case...”

    Happy Client

  • “I will definitely be providing great reviews as well as referring anyone who may ever need help in this area of problems...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ms. Merchant always made me feel like my case was a priority for her...”

    Happy Client

  • “Sending a thank you to Ashleigh...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh was instrumental in helping me settle and dismiss my charges...”

    Happy Client

  • “Merchant Law Firm are so easy to talk to and they always answer my questions...”

    Happy Client

  • “She successfully helped me avoid jail and a DUI charge...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh is easy to talk to and compassionate, she treats you like a personal friend...”

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  • “She was an aggressive advocate for my case...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh is a top appeal attorney...”

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