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Facing Arson Charges in Missouri? Here's What You Need to Know
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Arson is typically classified as the act of damaging any building, dwelling, or property through use of fire or an explosion.
Missouri has three levels of arson charges and three levels of charges which fall under the arson law and are based on burning or explosions.
Often arson cases are investigated by a bomb and arson squad which attempt to detect accelerants and other suspicious causes of damage. The length of the investigation may mean questioning or probing into the facts of the event before any charges are brought by the prosecutor.
If that is the case it is important to call a St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri Arson lawyer at the Krupp Law Firm to assist with the defense of your case starting from the beginning of the investigation.
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Arson in the First Degree: B to A Felony
In Missouri, a person commits the offense of arson in the first degree if he or she:
Knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure, and when any person is then present or in near proximity thereto, by starting a fire or causing an explosion and thereby recklessly places such person in danger of death or serious physical injury; or
By starting a fire or explosion, damages a building or inhabitable structure in an attempt to produce methamphetamine.
In Missouri, Arson in the first degree is a Class B felony unless a person has suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the fire or explosion set by the person or as a result of a fire or explosion started in an attempt by the person to produce methamphetamine, in which case arson in the first degree is a Class A felony.
Arson in the Second Degree: D to B Felony
In Missouri, a person commits the offense of arson in the second degree if he or she knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure by starting a fire or causing an explosion.
A person does not commit this offense if:
No person other than himself or herself has a possessory, proprietary or security interest in the damaged building, or if other persons have those interests, all of them consented to his or her conduct; and the person's sole purpose was to destroy or damage the building for a lawful and proper purpose.
The person accused of the crime has the burden of injecting the issue described above as a defense.
Arson in the second degree is a class D felony unless a person has suffered serious physical injury or has died as a result of the fire or explosion, in which case it is a class B felony.
Arson in the Third Degree: A Misdemeanor
In Missouri, a person commits the offense of arson in the third degree if he or she knowingly starts a fire or causes an explosion and thereby recklessly damages or destroys a building or an inhabitable structure of another.
Knowingly Burning or Exploding: E Felony
In Missouri, a person commits the offense of knowingly burning or exploding if he or she knowingly damages property of another by starting a fire or causing an explosion.
Reckless Burning or Exploding: B Misdemeanor
In Missouri, a person commits the offense of reckless burning or exploding if he or she recklessly starts a fire or causes an explosion and thereby damages or destroys the property of another.
Negligent Burning or Exploding: C Misdemeanor
In Missouri person commits the offense of negligent burning or exploding if he or she with criminal negligence causes damage to property or to the woodlands, cropland, grassland, prairie, or marsh of another by:
Starting a fire or causing an explosion; or Allowing a fire burning on lands in his or her possession or control onto the property of another.
How the Krupp Law Firm Helps Your Arson Case.
The Krupp Law Firm closely looks at the evidence against you in your arson case right from the beginning with the idea that any criminal charge might go to trial.
We analyze your defenses but also carefully study the scientific evidence involved, including any scientific evidence from the county crime lab, pieces of evidence that police have collected, or anything that an arson and bomb squad has compiled.
In the case where no formal charges have been filed the Krupp Law Firm can be with you to ensure that you are protected before the process goes to the next step.
James P. Krupp, with over 30 years of experience in personal injury, business litigation, traffic cases, workers' compensation, and criminal matters, will work closely with you to obtain outstanding results. His passion for helping people in all kinds of legal situations makes him an excellent choice for your arson case.
Testimonials from satisfied clients attest to James Krupp's dedication and ability to help with cases ranging from personal injury to criminal defense. His deep connections and education make him a powerful advocate, and his experience hosting lawyer radio call-in programs demonstrates his ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with clients.
Additionally, James Krupp's background as a DeSmet High School graduate and alumni of Benedictine and Quincy Colleges showcases his strong ties to the St. Louis community. This makes him an invaluable resource when navigating the local legal landscape in your arson case.
Ryan J. Krupp, a personal injury and criminal defense attorney, has extensive experience working with both the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. This experience gives him unique insights into the prosecution's approach, which can be invaluable in defending your arson case. Ryan has tried numerous cases to both judges and juries, demonstrating his ability to navigate the courtroom effectively.
As a native St. Louisan and alumnus of Marquette High School and Missouri Baptist University, Ryan's connection to the local community strengthens his commitment to helping clients with their arson cases. His background as a competitive soccer player, earning several honors such as two Academic All-American Awards and Scholar-Athlete Nominations, highlights his winning mindset and passion for justice.
Ryan's education, including a Juris Doctor from UMKC School of Law with a special emphasis in advocacy, ensures that he has the knowledge and skills to effectively represent you in your arson case. Additionally, Ryan's professional affiliations, such as being an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Missouri Baptist University and a member of the Order of the Barristers, further demonstrate his dedication to the legal field.
The Krupp Law Firm closely looks at the evidence against you in your arson case right from the beginning with the idea that any criminal charge might go to trial.
James and Ryan Krupp will analyze your defenses but also carefully study the scientific evidence involved, including any scientific evidence from the county crime lab, pieces of evidence that police have collected, or anything that an arson and bomb squad has compiled.
In the case where no formal charges have been filed, the Krupp Law Firm can be with you to ensure that you are protected before the process goes to the next step. With their combined experience, dedication to justice, and strong community ties, the Krupp Law Firm is the best choice for your legal representation in an arson case.
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