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First Degree Arson in Denver and Littleton | Woman Sets Fire to Doctor’s Office

Posted by Kyle B. Sawyer | Sep 11, 2015 | 0 Comments

When we're in need, we can get impatient. When we're desperately in need, we can sometimes act irrationally. According to a recent news story, one woman acted unreasonably when she needed to get in touch with her doctor. Apparently, she was upset because she couldn't reach her doctor about what was wrong with her ear. She was also diagnosed schizophrenic and was acting crazy. She was so angry with her ear doctor that she set fire to his office. The woman had entered the building through a window. In Denver and Jefferson County, this woman would face charges of First Degree Arson.

Aurora First Degree Arson and Second Degree Burglary

Normally, if someone knowingly sets fire to an occupied structure belonging to another without his consent, C.R.S. 18-4-102, he would face charges of Arson in the First Degree. And, if someone “knowingly breaks an entrance into, enters unlawfully in, or remains unlawfully after a lawful or unlawful entry in a building or occupied structure with intent to commit therein a crime against another person or property” (C.R.S. 18-4-203) he could face charges of 2nd Degree Burglary. 1st Degree Arson is normally a class 3 felony in Aurora, while Second Degree Burglary can be charged as a class 3 or class 4 felony. These charges can result in a lengthy sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Facing First Degree Arson charges?

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Insanity Defense in Douglas County

The key word in the legal definitions of First Degree Arson and 2nd Degree Burglary is “knowingly”. Prosecutors would have to prove this woman knowingly set fire to her doctor's office. But, if the woman really is mentally ill, it's possible the Insanity defense could be used in her situation. An expert criminal defense lawyer would have to prove she was mentally ill and couldn't distinguish right from wrong at the time she set fire to the office.

Why You Need the Best Adams County Arson Defense Lawyers

Arson convictions can lead to serious consequences in Adams and Douglas County. Whenever an explosive device is used in an arson case, consequences are even harsher. Arson is a class 3 felony, but with the use of an explosive someone will face a mandatory sentence for violent crimes, under C.R.S. 18-1.3.106. As criminal defense attorneys specialized in criminal defense, we often get charges dropped or sentences reduced for our clients. Contact one of our aggressive criminal defense lawyers if facing charges of 1st Degree Arson in Colorado. We will fight hard to protect you.

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If you or a loved one has been charged with First Degree Arson in Denver, Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney 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 – Hans

About the Author

Kyle B. Sawyer

I have a passion for defending others in criminal cases. I am able to empathize with my clients and understand their emotions and fears. I have a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and I understand what it feels like to be wrongly accused of a crime.

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If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in the Denver area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future. Request a Free Consultation

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