Minnesota law enforcement recently arrested a man accused of setting fires at two local mosques. The man is facing arson charges related to these incidents, as well as charges for vandalizing a police patrol car.
Arson Charges Filed in Minnesota Mosque Fires
Law enforcement claims to have surveillance evidence showing the man filling a fuel can, which they believe he used to start the fires. The same suspect is also accused of spray-painting the number “500” on a police car and at various other locations.
Defendant’s Mother’s Statement
The mother of the accused has made a public statement expressing concerns about her son’s fascination with fire and suggesting he may have committed arson in the past.
Penalties for Arson Charges in Minnesota
In Minnesota, intentionally setting fire to property that results in damage can lead to serious consequences. Arson is classified into different degrees, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Depending on the severity of the offense, a conviction could result in jail time, fines, and other penalties. It is crucial to seek legal representation if you are facing arson charges. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, build a strong defense, and work towards the best possible outcome.
Degrees of Arson in Minnesota
Arson is a serious crime in Minnesota, and the penalties can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. To understand the potential consequences someone accused of arson might face, it’s important to know how arson is categorized.
Minnesota law defines several degrees of arson, each with its own set of criteria and associated penalties:
- First-degree arson: This is the most serious type of arson and applies when someone intentionally sets fire to a building where people are present or are likely to be present. It also applies to cases where explosives are used to damage a building. First-degree arson is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.
- Second-degree arson: This applies to intentionally setting fire to a building that is not a dwelling or to property worth more than $1,000. Second-degree arson is also a felony, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
- Third-degree arson: This covers intentionally setting fire to property worth more than $300 but less than $1,000. It carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Fourth-degree arson: This applies to intentionally setting fire to personal property within a building, such as a house or apartment. It’s a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
- Fifth-degree arson: This is the least serious form of arson and covers intentionally burning any property not covered by the other degrees. It’s a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Factors Determining the Degree of Arson
Several factors influence the degree of arson charges someone might face:
- Type of property: The type of property damaged or destroyed plays a significant role. Setting fire to a dwelling or a building with people inside is considered more serious than burning an unoccupied structure or personal property.
- Presence of people: If people are present or are likely to be present in the building at the time of the fire, the charges are likely to be more severe.
- Intent: The intent behind the fire also matters. If the fire was set with the intent to harm someone or defraud an insurance company, the charges will be more serious than if the fire was set recklessly or accidentally.
- Value of property: The value of the property damaged or destroyed can also influence the degree of the charge, particularly in cases of second and third-degree arson.
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If you or someone you know has been charged with arson or any other crime in Minnesota, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.