intent

Years ago arson used to be the malicious burning of a person’s home. Today in Alabama arson is defined as the burning of any building. There are three different degrees of arson. First and second degree arson are the intentional burning of a building. To be charged with third degree arson the burning doesn’t have to be intentional, only reckless. Also, it makes a difference whether there is a person inside the building.

You should talk to a lawyer who often works in the area of criminal law before making any decisions about an arson charge. At Skier & Associates we are ready and willing to sit down and discuss your arson case with you, explain the legal process and what will come next, offer you advice on what you should do next, and discuss representing you if your case goes to court.

The crimes of trespass and burglary may seem similar, but there are several differences between the two crimes and between the different degrees within the crimes.

There are four ways in which a person may be charged of criminal trespass: first degree, second degree, third degree, and by motor vehicle. The difference in the charge depends on what the person is accused of trespassing on. First degree involves where someone lives (house or apartment), second degree involves a structure that is designed to keep someone out (a fenced in yard or other type of building where people don’t live), third degree involves somewhere where you know you don’t have a right to be, but isn’t designed to keep you out (a neighbors yard without a fence and you know it is not your property).

Articles Tagged with intent

Alabama’s Criminal Laws — ARSON

Alabama’s Criminal Laws — Criminal Trespass and Burglary