Fourth Degree Arson Attorney in Greeley

It is not difficult to face Fourth Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-105, charges in Greeley and across Colorado. In many Greeley 4th Degree Arson cases, a fire started by accident got out of control too quickly and put people or property at risk. You should never fight any Fourth Degree Arson charges alone or with an inexperienced public defender. Instead, contact the best criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office to fight for you and your future today.

What is the Definition of 4th Degree Arson?

In Weld County and across Colorado, the definition of Fourth Degree Arson is:

A person who knowingly or recklessly starts or maintains a fire or causes an explosion, on his own property or that of another, and by so doing places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury or places any building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage commits fourth degree arson.

Fourth Degree Arson: A Misdemeanor or Felony

In Evans and Erie, Colorado, Fourth Degree Arson is a class 2 misdemeanor, class 3 misdemeanor or class 4 felony. The class of misdemeanor or felony charge you face depends on whether property or people are endangered, and if property is endangered, what the value of the property is. Below are the misdemeanor or felony charges for 4th Degree Arson in Colorado:

People or Property Endangered?

Class of Misdemeanor or Felony of Arson
  • If a person is endangered
  • Class 4 Felony Fourth Degree Arson
  • If only property is endangered and the value of the property is $100 or more
  • Class 2 Misdemeanor Fourth Degree Arson
  • If only property is endangered and the value of the property is less than $100
  • Class 3 Misdemeanor Fourth Degree Arson

Controlled Agricultural Burns Are Not Considered Fourth Degree Arson

In Logan County and Washington County, Colorado, a controlled agricultural burn is a technique used in farming to clear the land of any existing crop residue, kill weeds and weed seeds, or reduce fuel buildup.  It can decrease the likelihood of a future fire. Across Colorado, it is not considered Fourth Degree Arson if a person starts and maintains a fire as a controlled agricultural burn in a reasonably cautious manner, and no person suffers bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death as a result of the fire.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your 4th Degree Arson Charges

Fires that start accidentally in Morgan County and across Colorado can cause significant damage and result in heavy costs to extinguish. These fires regularly endanger property and people. That’s why you should always be extra cautious whenever starting a fire. If convicted of Arson in the 4th Degree in Colorado, you can face life-altering consequences. You may risk facing jail or prison time, restitution for any damages caused by the fire, or a criminal record. In some cases, District Attorneys may try to charge you with a more serious degree of Arson based on evidence and witness statements. Don’t put your future at risk by fighting the government alone or with an inexperienced criminal defense attorney. Call the top Arson criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office today and protect your future.

CHARGED WITH FOURTH DEGREE ARSON IN GREELEY OR WELD COUNTY?

Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office.

Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. 

Together, we can protect your future.

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