East Brunswick Arson Defense Attorney
Charged with First, Second or Third Degree Arson?
Are you accused of arson? This is an extremely serious felony that can result in a long prison term if convicted. At my firm, the Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, I act fast on behalf of my clients facing charges of arson throughout Freehold, East Brunswick & Middlesex County. If it is believed by law enforcement and the prosecutor that you were involved in a case of arson, I urge you to get in touch with my firm immediately. Your defense and investigation must start right away.
Schedule an initial consultation with my firm when you call (866) 760-6430.
Facts About Arson
There is a great deal of attention on whether arson was involved when any structure burns. Experts comb through the site searching for any evidence that a fire was set by an accelerant or in a certain area of the structure that is suspicious and could indicate that a person was involved in setting the fire. In fact, over 17% of structure fires are listed as suspicious. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that there is a link to drug crimes in the increasing number of structure fires throughout the state, and it is reported by the same agency that it is believed that 20% of current fires in major metropolitan areas are related to drug crimes.
Penalties for Arson in New Jersey
Arson is a felony and the ramifications of a conviction are extensive.
The penalties imposed will vary, based upon:
- Degree of the damage to the structure
- Whether any person was injured or killed
- Whether other criminal activities contributed to the fire
The New Jersey No Early Release Act (NERA) requires that a court imposing a sentence for incarceration for arson in first and second degree crimes, or for any attempt or conspiracy to commit aggravated arson will be forced to serve 85% of the sentence imposed by the court. Aggravated arson charges are filed when a person starts a fire on their own property, or the property of another, and purposefully or knowingly puts another person in danger of death or bodily injury.
This could be filed as a first degree felony or a second degree felony with penalties of:
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Fines of $200,000
Convicts will receive both for a first degree. Second degree arson is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years in a state correctional facility, and fines of up to $150,000 or both. Charges of first degree arson can be filed when a person accepts pay or any form of consideration in exchange for starting the fire. There are three elements that must be proven by the prosecutor, beyond a reasonable doubt, for a person accused of arson to be convicted. It is extremely critical that you get your case evaluated on an immediate basis if you are being investigated for arson, or have already been charged, no matter what degree of crime.
The penalties are extensive, and your life will truly take a drastic turn if you are unable to successfully defend against the charges of arson filed against you. I am committed to assisting my clients to pursue a favorable outcome at each phase of the justice process.
Juveniles & Charges of Arson
Some cases involve young people who were experimenting with fire. The consequences to their future opportunities and freedom can be significant. Whether your child is accused of committing arson, or you are facing charges yourself, it is extremely important that you engage the services of a criminal law firm that has experience and insight into the criminal justice system, trial law, and can craft a strategy for your defense that could be successful, both in negotiating with the prosecutor and at trial.
Contact an East Brunswick arson defense lawyer immediately to retain the services of a legal professional that can help you.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Client Acquitted Assault
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Assault Charge Dismissed Assault and Cross-Complaint for False Police Report
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Charges Dismissed Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order Dismissed Against Client following Trial
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All Charges Were Dismissed DWI and Careless Driving
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DWI Charge Dismissed DWI and Reckless Driving
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DWI And Lane Change Dismissed DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure and Unsafe Lane Change
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"I am very grateful for Mr. Gilbert excellent job!"Excellent Job! I contacted a few law offices before … Finally, I chose Ryan E. Gilbert…the way he greeted me made me feel like a very important client and took consideration for any conditions I had at the time. Everything was quick and smooth! He was well informed and smart he was also helpful and kind. I would recommend him! 5 stars and 2 thumbs up! I am very grateful for Mr. Gilbert excellent job!- Michelle
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"Ryan To The Rescue"Ryan is a very thorough attorney. He knows the law and he keeps you well informed of all the details with your case. He will work very hard for you. I would definitely use him again for any legal matters and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent attorney.- Former Client
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"My case had a successful outcome."Ryan was compassionate, intelligent, efficient and thorough; he gave good advice, represented me in court, and was successful in winning a reduction in my property taxes. I wholeheartedly recommend him. I know he handles other types of cases as well.- Former Client
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"Great job protecting my future"Ryan was a trusted adviser throughout the course of my legal issues. I was unfamiliar with legal proceedings and Ryan was able to explain to me my legal situation, and risks associated with various defenses and decisions I had to make. He took the time to explain all the scenarios to my satisfaction which gave me piece of mind and comfort. Ryan was also very responsive through various forms of communications (phone, email, text) which made keeping in contact convenient throughout the process. Ryan showed up on time (early in fact) to various appointments and appeared to handle relationship building effectively with opposing attorneys and the prosecutor. At the end of the day, I was very satisfied with the work done by Ryan as the outcome of my legal matter was better than I had expected and kept my reputation in tact, which undoubtedly will help me pursue my future career/professional ambitions.- Former Client
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"Professionalism at its best"Mr. Gilbert has made my case easy and clear to understand without all the legal jargon. He took time to help me clearly understand my case and kept me updated with all occurrences. Also, the case had been postponed and he waited alongside and had a friendly chat at the nearby Starbucks and besides giving me a great case result, he made me feel as if I had someone by my side. Patient, honest, and soft spoken, Ryan is not someone else whom just told me what to do and I just say yes too, like previous attorneys I had. I will always suggest and use Ryan Gilbert as my attorney.- Former Client
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"Attentive, fast responding, professional, expert"Attentive, fast responding, professional and expert is how I would describe the attention and service that I received from Mr. Gilbert. He solved my matter quickly and explained in very clear terms each step and set expectation for action on all sides. I was very pleased with how my matter was resolved and would recommend Mr. Gilbert to those requiring legal services. If needed I would absolutely seek Mr. Gilbert's council again.- Former Client
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"An invaluable asset to anyone"Mr. Gilbert is an excellent attorney. His knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset to anyone looking for an attorney.- Former Client
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"Ryan could not have been more helpful"I found myself in quite a situation and Ryan could not have been more helpful in my time of need. Ryan worked tirelessly and did whatever he could to secure for me the best possible outcome. Even when I first called, I never could have imagined having my case resolve as positively as it did. Thank you so much Ryan!- Former Client
