Reckless Burning and Defense Attorney in Southwest Washington

Reckless Burning charges are serious cases in Washington State. A conviction can lead to prison time and substantial fines, and the court can order restitution in enormous amounts. You should retain a top criminal for Reckless Burning charges Defense Attorney in Washington like attorney Erin Bradley McAleer.  Reckless Burning in Washington comes in two levels, first and second degree.

First Degree Reckless Burning

The crime of First Degree Reckless Burning is committed when a person causes or starts a fire, and recklessly allows that fire to damage a building, vehicle, crop, or timber. It is different from Arson in that Arson requires that the initial starting of the fire be done knowingly and maliciously. For example in the past, Reckless Burning charges have been brought when a person starts a campfire in a dry, windy climate, and fails to attend to the fire. Reckless Burning in the First Degree is a Class C Felony, and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, and a fine of $10,000. However, the standard range sentence for a person without a criminal history is 0 to 60 days in the county jail.

Reckless Burning in the Second Degree

The crime of Second Degree Reckless Burning is committed when a person causes or starts a fire, and endangers a building, vehicle, crop, or timber. No proof of actual damage is required, as is the case with First Degree Reckless Burning. This offense is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail. Many of these charges result from a person burning yard waste or a slash pile. The local police can investigate these matters but often it is the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

FREE CONSULTATION With Reckless Burning Defense Attorney in Washington:

The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will fight to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome in your court case. Call attorney Erin Bradley McAleer today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Washington Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer represents clients throughout Southwest Washington State, including in Clark County, Cowlitz County, and Skamania County and Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland, Yacolt, Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, North Bonneville, and Stevenson. Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer focuses on the areas of Criminal Defense, Traffic Infractions, Landlord Tenant, Personal Injury, Firearm Rights Restoration, and Post-Conviction Relief (Vacating & Sealing Criminal Records).