Arson There's No Alternative

Orange County Arson Lawyers

Arson Cases Also in Riverside, San Bernardino & Los Angeles

Individuals facing criminal arson charges encounter an uphill battle. Over the last decade, California has suffered several fires that have resulted in the loss of life and millions of dollars in property damage. California courts will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, as politicians and law enforcement officials may try to make an example of you and your alleged crimes.

Hiring an arson defense lawyer in Orange County can be stressful, but failing to hire one can lead to a devastating experience. At The Law Offices of Randy Collins, we're here to help.Whether this is your first run-in with the police, or you have been charged before, a conviction for fire-related offenses can negatively affect many aspects of your life. In California, all forms of arson can become a “strike” on your record and, if convicted, can be used against you in court proceedings to enhance future sentences.

If you’ve been accused, contact the Law Offices of Randy Collins at (844) 285-9559 for a free case evaluation. Getting the right information at the beginning of your criminal proceedings can make a substantial difference.

How Does California Define Arson?

Under Arson Penal Code 451, it’s an offense for someone to deliberately or recklessly set fire to property other than their own.

In California, malicious offenses under California Penal Code 451 are regarded as felonies.

The penalties for this crime depend on:

  • The property class
  • Whether someone was injured
  • The severity of injuries

Intentional offenses are penalized by:

  • Prison time between 16 months and 9 years
  • Fine of up to $50,000
  • Evaluation by a psychiatrist
  • Registration as a local offender

California’s Reckless Burning Law

Reckless arson is treated differently under California Penal Code 452. This involves setting fire to a property or place through reckless acts. This isn’t to be confused with negligence. The prosecution aims to prove that a reckless offender reacted to a fire differently from how a reasonable person would think or react in that same situation.

For example, someone at a gas station lights a cigar, knowing full well the impact it might have on the entire property and people surrounding the area.

To determine the penalties under California Penal Code 452, the judge will order the offender to undergo an evaluation with a certified psychologist.

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WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE

  • Over 45 years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Former Deputy District Attorney
  • Impressive Track Record of Results
  • Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
  • Free Initial Consultation

GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS

Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

  • Best Criminal Defense in Irvine - 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer In Irvine- 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana - 2022
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyer New Port Beach- 2022
  • 10 Best Attorney
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Under 40
  • avvo 10.0

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CLient Reviews

At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "I am extremley grateful for their help!"
    Randy, Chris, and his team are amazing. Having talked to other offices, this one was the most responsive, caring, and downright most helpful. They are all super knowledgeable in defense and I am extremely grateful for their help. I 100% recommend and suggest you try a consultation.
    John
    "Randy is one of the best attorney's you could ever have."
    Randy is one of the best attorneys you could ever have. I’m eternally grateful to Randy and his team for his dedication and professionalism. Randy is very brilliant when it comes to felonies, probation violations, or other criminal cases... Randy is the best lawyer you can have. when other lawyers told me they couldn’t help me out... Randy always told me he can help me and there was never an impossible case to bring in his favor. He was always in touch and keeping me updated on my case, and he gave me the peace and comfort I needed during difficult times. This is the second time he has had to help me stay away from jail. I will never look into other lawyers. I’ll be a loyal client to Randy from now on. You are #1, Randy. Thank you
    Adriana
    "All my friends' cases either dismissed or reduced significantly."
    Randy is a great attorney that has helped me out of a bad situation. I refer all of my friends that get in trouble and he has gotten all of their cases either dismissed or reduced significantly. You definitely get what you pay for when you hire this firm.
    Chris H.
    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
    Dalia
    "An Attorney I Could Trust"
    I called to inquire about a case I was facing, this was one of the many attorneys I was speaking with during a free consult about my next steps. The future was looking more and more alarming as the implications of what I was facing were becoming clear. Halfway through explaining my situation, he interrupted me and asked some basic information, put me on hold for one second and came back telling me he had called around and found out that my case was not proceeding. Four other attorneys I had spoken to did not do this, and in fact had used scare tactics and worst case scenarios to try and hard sell me into signing a retainer. (unfortunately, the evening before I HAD with another attorney signed a retainer but thats for another review) Although I did not need to retain the services of this office, I believe that single action speaks worlds about the integrity, helpfulness, intelligence and capabilities of this office. In a world that is so difficult for the uninitiated, such as the legal system, it seems people are taking advantage of you at every turn. It was a welcome and uplifting experience to see the opposite of that with this law office and I am so grateful I was able to find them and know I could call them if anything were to ever happen to me later in life and know I could trust this team.
    Chris
    "Randy is the obvious choice!"
    Randy worked tirelessly for over two years to have my case dismissed and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me.
    Ray
    "Man of his word - got the issue resolved."
    I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.
    Reedham
    "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Best Criminal Defense Attorney"
    I could not be more grateful or complimentary of how Randy handled my case, as well as the easy communication and genuine care for my well-being. I could not recommend Randy more.
    Nichole