Monroe Authorities Offer Reward for Information About Arson

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Monroe, Ga. – State investigators in Walton County have offered up a hefty award for any information regarding the intentional fire that demolished a local home.

Investigators cannot tell much from what's left of the incident. However, the fire appeared to have started on the exterior of the house. Fortunately, the homeowner was able to escape and call 911.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will outline the various laws that may apply to the above situation. Ultimately, if a person did intentionally set fire to the residence then he or she will be facing some very serious consequences. See below.

First-Degree Arson in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines first-degree arson in Georgia as:

A person will be guilty of arson in the first degree when by means of fire or explosive, whether or not in the commission of a felony, he or she knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to damage any dwelling house of another or any building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, or other structure of another…

First-degree arson is classified as a felony in the state of Georgia. The penalty can include a prison sentence of one to twenty years, a fine up to $50,000, or both.

2nd Degree Arson in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines second-degree arson in Georgia as:

A person will be guilty of arson in the second degree when by means of fire or explosive, whether or not in the commission of a felony, he or she knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to damage…

Second-degree arson is classified as a felony in the state of Georgia. The penalty can include a prison sentence of one to ten years, a fine up to $25,000, or both. 

3rd Degree Arson in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines third-degree arson in Georgia as:

A person will be guilty of arson in the third degree when by means of fire or explosive, whether or not in the commission of a felony, he or she knowingly damages or knowingly causes, aids, abets, advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to damage any personal property.

Third-degree arson is classified as a felony in the state of Georgia. The penalty can include a prison sentence of one to five years, a fine up to $10,000, or both.

Practice Note

There are many different property crimes in the state of Georgia. If you have been arrested for a crime in this state, call us now.