According to Texas Penal Code § 28.02, arson can occur under a variety of circumstances. It is arson when individuals start a fire or cause an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage fences and/or vegetation or any building, home, or vehicle in some situations. For example, it is arson to set fire to a building if you know it is covered by an insurance policy, that it is subject to a mortgage, or if it is within the limits of a town or city.
It is also arson when individuals act recklessly starts a fire or causes an explosion while manufacturing a controlled substance, or they intentionally set a fire that recklessly damages or destroy a building belonging to someone else, or that recklessly endangers another’s life, causes bodily injury to another, or causes death to another.
Defining Arson Under Texas Law
Penalties for arson can range from a first-degree felony for causing another’s death or intentionally destroying someone’s home to a state jail felony for recklessly causing bodily injury to another as a result of the commission of an arson. A first-degree felony can result in a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum prison sentence of 99 years, or life in prison. A state jail felony conviction can result in a prison sentence of six months to two years. No matter the level of the charge, however, arson is a felony under Texas law.
As you can see, potential consequences of an arson conviction may be quite significant. We are here to ensure that your rights are not violated and minimize any negative consequences that you may face as a result of arson or related criminal charges. The criminal defense lawyers of Peek Law Group have handled the legal defense of countless individuals who are facing criminal charges. We are here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf in order to get the best outcome possible in your case. Call our office today at (512) 399-2311 to set up an appointment with our criminal defense attorneys today.