​​WHAT IS ARSON?

​Arson is defined as intentionally damaging property by means of fire or explosion. Any degree of damage is enough to constitute an arson charge; property can include a house or building, area of land, or item of personal property such as a vehicle, boat, or airplane.

In order to be convicted of arson, the prosecution must convince the jury that the following are true beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The defendant caused or created the fire knowingly
• The defendant used fire or an explosion
• The fire or damage placed a serious risk of physical harm to at least one of the following: someone else's property without the owner's consent, someone's property with the intent of committing fraud, a government building, someone else's property according to an agreement for hire.

​At the Law Office of Lorin J. Zaner, our proven Toledo attorney has more than four decades of legal experience with our justice system. Attorney Zaner knows how the state of Ohio pursues convictions for these offenses and is ready to thoroughly and diligently pursue the best possible outcome for his clients.

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​WHAT IS THE SENTENCE FOR AGGRAVATED ARSON?

Ohio separates arson offenses into two different categories: arson (Ohio Revised Code § 2909.03) and aggravated arson (Ohio Revised Code § 2909.02). Within these statutes, however, the severity of an arson charge can vary depending on the circumstances of the alleged incident.

For example:

• Simple arson is a first-degree misdemeanor
• Arson that causes injury or damage of $500 or more is a fourth-degree felony
• Arson that is committed for the purpose of fraud is a fourth-degree felony
• Arson that targets state property is a fourth-degree felony
• Arson that targets forests, wetlands, etc. is a fourth-degree felony
• Arson that involves an agreement to hire is a third-degree felony
• Arson that involves an occupied structure is a second-degree felony (aggravated arson)

Have you been accused of one of the above offenses? If so, our firm is ready to hear from you. Attorney Zaner is well-versed in assessing these cases, exposing circumstantial evidence, consulting with experts, and ensuring that his clients receive the consideration they deserve before our criminal justice system.