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Orland Park Residential Arson Attorney

Tinley Park Arson Defense Lawyer for Property Crimes Related to Residences

There are many issues that are involved with a charge of residential arson, and it is not nearly as "cut and dry" as it seems. The State has the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes that the act was done "knowingly" as well as whether a structure was actually a "dwelling place", as well as other essential elements of the offense.

The Sentence

CLASS 1 FELONY – 4-15 years prison

Probation Possible? – No.

Time To Be Served – Must serve 50% of the sentence imposed

Success Story: We were retained to represent a client who was charged with arson by setting a fire in the mailbox attached to the front of a home. When we were retained, the client had already had previously had an attorney representing her, and her prior attorney had tried to negotiate a plea bargain, and had received an offer of three years in prison if the client would plead guilty to arson. When we got into the case, we discussed the case with the State's Attorney, who advised us that there was "no chance, whatsoever" that the offer of three years would be reduced. We then proceeded to review the police reports and statements extensively, and look at other Illinois cases that had been decided by the Illinois Court of Appeals and the Illinois Supreme Court regarding arson, (and eliminated that charge of residential arson) and issues we thought we could raise. In the end, we were able to obtain an offer from the State's Attorney of a sentence of probation, without jail time, based upon our arguments and what we had discovered.

Aggravated Arson

As with the crime of arson, there are many issues that are involved with a charge of aggravated arson. The issues that raise the most reasonable doubt are what the alleged offender "knew or should have known". As always, the State has the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes the issues of whether a victim has suffered "great bodily harm" or whether a disability is "permanent", as well as other essential elements of the offense.

The Sentence

CLASS X FELONY – 6-30 years prison
Probation Possible? – No
Time To Be Served – Must serve 85% of the sentence imposed

Contact Our Will County Arson Defense Attorney

Contact our office at 708-966-2408 to arrange a consultation. We provide representation for clients in Romeoville, Orland Park, Plainfield, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Joliet, New Lenox, Homer Glen, Lockport, and other cities throughout Chicago's southwest suburbs.

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