Recently, Milwaukee police reported that a woman was caught on cellphone video pouring what appears to be gasoline through the window of a local home and setting it on fire. Unfortunately, an elderly man died in the blaze that ensued.
The charges the woman may face will likely include the charge of arson, which is the deliberate act of setting a property on fire. Arson sometimes is committed in an insurance fraud scheme where someone hopes to collect money from damages to their property. Other times, someone may set fire to a property to intentionally cause harm to another or to public lands.
Arson is classified as a felony due to its potential to hurt someone. Arson crimes are prosecuted depending on the circumstances, with more serious charges arising out of fires set in occupied buildings or areas.
Although the cellphone video captured in this recent incident provide clues for police, sometimes it is difficult to determine the exact cause of a fire. Unfortunately, in some cases suspicions may result in law enforcement pointing fingers at business owners and home owners alleging insurance fraud or charging someone inappropriately with another criminal act.
Contact a Wisconsin Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are being investigated for, or have been charged with, a criminal offense, it is very important to get the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to to vigorously defend your constitutional rights. For charges as serious as arson, the range of sentences run from months to decades of incarceration. It is crucial to secure the help of a knowledgeable, effective legal team right away to fight the criminal charges you face. Contact the Waukesha Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers of Andrew C. Ladd for assistance today at 262-542-3900.
Source: Fox11NewsOnline, “Cellphone Video Shows Woman Setting Milwaukee Home on Fire”, by Associated Press, accessed July 9, 2017.
