The Shreveport Fire Department responded to a reported house fire recently, according to news reports. The fire truck arrived and found a single-story brick and veneer home with light smoke visible. The home was occupied at the time and a family of three managed to escape unharmed. The home itself only suffered minor damage by the end of the blaze. The fire was extinguished and placed under control within several minutes of first responders arriving. It took eight fire units and 27 firefighters to bring the situation under control. Arson is currently suspected and this fire is under investigation by Shreveport Fire Department Fire Investigators. There were no injuries reported at the scene.

What Is Arson?

Arson deals with the criminal burning of homes, businesses, and other property. The crime of arson predates the American justice system, although legislators continue to modify the elements of the offense, often expanding on the types of conduct that will qualify as arson. Penalties for convicted arsonists vary across every jurisdiction, but they generally become more severe based upon the degree to which the fire puts human life at risk.

At common law, arson was defined as the malicious burning of another person’s dwelling. This definition can be broken down into four elements. The first element of maliciousness required that the defendant acted willfully and with wrongful intent. Thus, starting a fire by accident was not sufficient. The next element required the defendant’s actions to produce a burning. A burning could include even the slightest damage caused by charring, but merely causing smoke discoloration to a home was insufficient.

Louisiana Arson Statutes

The offense of arson is now defined by Louisiana statute. While the essential nature and seriousness of the crime remains unchanged, the elements have been expanded in recent years. For example, the technical provisions requiring that the defendant cause a burning have been relaxed. Using an explosion to damage property now qualifies as arson in most jurisdictions, as well as “starting a fire” (even if the property fails to burn) and “causing a fire” (through indirect conduct).

Those who knowingly burn structures in which people are present can be prosecuted under special statutes carrying enhanced penalties. Classified as arson in the first degree, this offense can include a maximum sentence of life in prison. Enhanced sentences can also be imposed for arson that causes personal injury, and for repeat offenders. Criminal liability can even arise for those who do not set a fire personally. Modern arson statutes often contain “aiding and abetting” provisions making them directly applicable to individuals who assist in the commission of the crime.

Arson and Insurance Fraud

Arson and suspected arson are the greatest contributing causes of fire-related property damage in the United States. A variety of motives lead people to commit arson, such as revenge, thrill-seeking, and the need to destroy evidence of other crimes. However, a significant portion of arson fires come about as part of an insurance fraud, and law enforcement is always on the alert for these schemes. Insurance companies have teams of investigators dedicated to uncovering these crimes as well.

People who burn their own property are often looking for relief from loans they cannot afford. They set fire to the collateral in hopes of collecting the insurance proceeds, paying off the loan, and keeping the money that is left over. This can be especially enticing when the value of the property has dropped far below the level of insurance coverage due to real estate market conditions, natural disasters, and other factors. To deter such activities, the penalties are severe. It is not unheard of for a defendant with no prior criminal history to spend a decade or more in federal prison following a conviction for insurance fraud arson.

Consult with a Shreveport Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are being investigated for arson, or if criminal charges have already been filed, anything you say to the police or your insurance company can be used against you. This is no time to make mistakes. Schedule a consultation with a Shreveport criminal defense attorney like those at the Greenwald Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected.

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