A German man was arrested on January 2 in connection with a string of arson incidents around Los Angeles that has caused more than $3 million in damages from 52 incidents over the course of four days. The man was arrested after an arrest was requested of the man's mother by Germany, with investigators recognizing the woman's son as the man identified on video as the arsonist, according to a report by The Associated Press.
Police have not revealed a motive behind the series of blazes or why the man's mother was wanted for arrest by Germany, but are confident that the man is the one responsible for the arson spree. While the incidents did not result in any serious injuries, they caused many residents to evacuate their homes and sent hundreds of police and firefighters racing across the area to fight the blazes and prevent further destruction.
Under California Penal Code Section 451, "A person is guilty of arson when he or she willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land, or property." Arson is considered a felony in California and can be punished by various prison sentences depending on the circumstances of the crime. Arson of property can result in 16 months, two years, or three years in prison. Arson on a structure or forest land can result in two, four, or six years imprisonment. Arson of an inhabited structure or property is punishable by three, five, or eight years in state prison. Finally, arson that causes great bodily harm can result in imprisonment for five, seven, or nine years.
Any and all charges of arson can leave a defendant in prison for many years and severely damage his or her life forever. The Los Angeles arson defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Daniel Kann successfully use their years of experience and skills to defend the rights of those accused of crimes in Southern California and prevent harsh penalties. Call our offices today at (310) 954-9356 for more information on how we can aid you or your loved one in your case.
Sources:http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=450-457.1; http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/24-year-old-man-under-arrest-in-connection-with-la-arson-spree-that-rattled-residents/2012/01/03/gIQApEPfXP_story.html
