New Brunswick First Degree Arson Attorneys
Arson for hire is the most serious form of offense an individual can face under the NJ Arson Law, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1. A charge of arson for hire is a first degree crime. Not surprisingly, this charge is frequently referred to as first degree arson. Anyone charged or indicted for arson for hire needs to know that they are facing over a decade in state prison if convicted. There is no doubt that a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer is necessary if you are facing this offense. Our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, possesses over a century of experience defending violations at the County Courthouse in New Brunswick. The former prosecutors on our team also includes Jason Seidman, Esq., who recently left the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office. Jason and the other arson attorneys have extensive skill to put into action on your Edison, Sayreville, Woodbridge, East Brunswick or other arson for hire offense. To speak to a member of our staff immediately, call our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126.
Penalties That Apply Under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1(d)
As previously stated, arson for hire is a first degree crime in accordance with 2C:17-1(d). An individual convicted of first degree arson for hire faces a prison term of between ten (10) and twenty (20) years, a fine that can reach $250,000, and restitution for damages sustained by injured parties or property owners. In addition, arson for hire does not merge with underlying aggravated arson or simple arson charges. Accordingly, a defendant faces multiple criminal punishments and associated prison terms if they are indicted for both arson for hire and a related aggravated arson or related arson offense. They may also be required to serve any associated prison terms consecutively, resulting in an aggregate prison sentence that can exceed twenty (20) years in jail. It is also important to keep in mind that the No Early Release Act applies to first degree arson. As a result, an individual convicted of this offense is required to serve at least eighty five (85) percent of his or her prison term before they can be eligible for parole.
Elements of the Offense of Arson for Hire
In order to convict an individual of arson for hire, the state must establish two (2) elements. Both of these elements must be proven beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecutor. The elements are:
- Defendant either paid or received some form of consideration; and
- The consideration was made for the purpose of starting a fire or causing an explosion.
The term “consideration” is defined as something of value but not necessarily monetary compensation or valuable property. Therefore, while consideration is often money, property or the like, it can also be a promise to do something or provide a service. It is the agreement and/or receipt of this consideration that upgrades a second degree arson or third degree arson case to arson for hire under 2C:17-1(d).
South Plainfield First Degree Arson Lawyer
If you were charged or indicted for the first degree crime of arson for hire in South Plainfield, Spotswood, South Amboy, Old Bridge or Jamesburg, you definitely need to retain a qualified lawyer. The penalties for this offense are just about as bad as they get with a virtually certainty that you will be sent to prison for a long time if you are convicted. The attorneys at our firm, The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, will work tirelessly to make sure that you avoid incarceration and other consequences that result from a guilty finding for first degree arson in South Plainfield or another municipality. For immediate assistance from an experienced arson defense attorney on our legal team, call 732-246-7126.
