Breaking up with a significant other can cause people to react in all kinds of ways. According to one news story, a man now faces criminal charges after breaking up with his girlfriend. According to the news, the man allegedly attempted to burn down his ex-girlfriend's home. Apparently, he tried lighting the house on fire in five different locations and wedging a propane tank against the house while a fire brewed on the back porch. Police pulled the tank away from the home before it ignited and the man accused was found about 100 yards from the home. The man was found with lighters in his pocket and an empty bag of Cheetos, which police confirmed he tried using to accelerate the fire. Police reported the man's ex-girlfriend said the man was stalking her after the relationship ended, destroyed her cell phone, and told her he thought about killing her. In addition to other possible charges, in Denver, Colorado, the man could face charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Arson.

Facing Criminal Attempt charges?

First Degree Arson in Adams and Douglas County, Colorado

In Adams and Douglas County, First Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-102, charges occur whenever:

“A person knowingly sets fire to, burns, causes to be burned, or by the use of any explosive damages or destroys, or causes to be damaged or destroyed, any building or occupied structure of another without his consent.”

1st Degree Arson is a class 3 felony in Colorado, which is punishable by up to 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Criminal Attempt Definition in Arapahoe County | Criminal Attempt to Commit Arson

In Arapahoe County, Colorado, the definition of Criminal Attempt, C.R.S. 18-2-101, is:

“A person commits criminal attempt if, acting with the kind of culpability otherwise required for commission of an offense, he engages in conduct constituting a substantial step toward the commission of the offense.”

Because the man attempted to light his ex-girlfriend's home on fire, prosecutors would likely consider that to be a substantial step toward the commission of First Degree Arson. Criminal Attempt at First Degree Arson is a class 4 felony in Colorado, which is punishable by up to 6 years in prison. Because the definition of “substantial step” is broad, it is often up to the jury to decide whether you took a “substantial step” toward committing an offense. In many criminal cases, our criminal defense lawyers often use this broad definition in our defense of people wrongfully accused or charged of Criminal Attempt to commit a crime.

Criminal Attempt at Arson Lawyer in Jefferson County: Contact the O'Malley Law Office

A conviction of Criminal Attempt in Jefferson County can be almost as serious as a conviction for actually committing a crime. Upon a conviction of Criminal Attempt at First Degree Arson, you could face a lengthy prison sentence, heavy fines and a criminal record. If you are facing charges of Criminal Attempt at Arson in Colorado, don't put your future into the hands of an inexperienced public defender or cheap criminal defense attorney. Instead, work with the top criminal defense lawyers from the O'Malley Law Office who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.  We are priced midrange, but deliver top tier results.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one faces charges of Criminal Attempt at Arson in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

Image Credit: Pixabay – Comfreak