Forest Fire and Arson
Arson is defined as a criminal act when the offender purposely burns any kind of property. Arson is an act of felony. When a person is charged with arson charge, the prosecutor must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the action is malicious and intentional.
In many cases, arson is planned and done to collect insurance. An accomplice will file fraudulent insurance claims after setting a fire. In fact, monetary profit from the insurance is probably one of the most common motives for arson. Other motives of arsonists are revenge, domestic violence, or disguise of other crimes.
In addition, arson is not only limited to building. Forest arson is also considered to be a felony. The statistics show that nearly sixty percent of all forest fires are intentionally set. The damage of forest arson is more than just forestland. Forest fire can cost you your life, your community, and your property. Although the punishment for forest arson may vary from state, an arsonist can be punished up to 5 years in prison and/ or up to $10,000 in fines. However, if the arson is viewed to be a method of homicide, death penalty may be the penalty as in the case of Texas of Cameron Willingham.
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