The Sacramento Bee reports that a North Hollywood man, Kurt Billie, has been charged with setting 10 fires in 3 days in the San Fernando Valley. The fires are considered part of a larger arson spree that caused nearly $1 million damage. The main target of the fires were vehicles, including motor homes, cars and trucks, but an apartment building was also damaged
If you have been charged on a suspicion of any crime, including arson, it is important to contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin preparing your defense.
Arson charges, no matter the surrounding circumstances are serious criminal allegations. California Code section 451 defines arson as the act of willfully and maliciously setting fire to any structure or property. Arson can be either simple or aggravated. Here, Billie was charged with 20 felony courts of arson and one count of aggravated arson. The aggravated arson charge result from a previous charge of arson in Japan. If convicted, he faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. His bail was set at $2 million pending arraignment.
If you are under investigation for arson, a skilled Los Angeles arson defense attorney can provide you the defense you need to achieve the best results possible. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced or the penalties lessened.
For more information, contact the Los Angeles arson defense lawyers at The Chahine Law Firm for a free consultation.
