San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
The Times of San Diego is reporting that there is video documentation in addition to a photo of an individual committing arson on January 12. A male set fire to a clothing alteration business in the Talmadge area around 12:30 a.m. that Sunday. The damages to the store cost approximately $1 million. The man was seen riding his bicycle up to the front of the doors of AA Fashion located at 4644 El Cajon Boulevard and setting it on fire. According to the San Diego Police, after he ignited the flames, he rode away.
The business was completely destroyed by the damages from the fire. The police are asking the public for information related to the suspect and his whereabouts. Anyone with tips will be kept anonymous and may be eligible to be rewarded up to $1,000.
Fire Statistics
In the United States, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) indicates that cooking is the number one cause of residential fires. Cooking is responsible for 51.6% of all residential fires. Heating issues come in second causing 9.1% of all residential fires in the country. There are 15 causes stated by USFA in order of most common for residential fires. Intentional fires to a residential structure come in at number six and are responsible for 4.2% of all these fires.
In 2017, there were an estimated 1,900 fatalities from fires and 13.1% of them were intentionally caused. Also that year, there were 7,000 injuries from fires.
When it comes to non-residential establishments, cooking still tops the list of the most common causes. In non-residential buildings cooking is the cause of 30.4% of the fires. Interestingly, the third-highest factor behind non-residential fires is from intentional causes. Roughly 9.8% of all non-residential fires were set intentionally.
Fire deaths occur most commonly in residential fires. While residential fires account for approximately 28.9% of all fires, they result in 77.6% of all fire deaths. Non-residential fires occur in 8.7% of all fires. Vehicle fires are more common than one may think, as these make up 14.3% of all fires.
What are the Arson Laws in California?
Penal Code 451 describes the state of California’s arson laws. In our state aggravated arson comes with up to five years in state prison when:
- The person committing the arson has a felony on their record already for reckless arson under Penal Code 451 or 452.
- Great bodily injury or substantial physical harm is done to a first responder like a firefighter, police officer, or any other emergency personnel
- If there is more than one person who has great bodily injuries
If you have been charged with arson, it is critical to the outcome of your case that you have an experienced and knowledgeable California arson defense attorney by your side. Arson cases are quite complex. Only a San Diego arson defense attorney with years of experience providing sound legal defense and who understands the nuances associated with arson cases will be able to help you see your full legal justice. Do not delay in obtaining legal representation when you are facing arson charges by calling the Law Offices of David M. Boertje today. You can schedule your free consultation with one of our Carlsbad criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Boertje by calling (619) 229-1870 for our San Diego office or (760) 476-0901 for our Carlsbad location.