Bloomington DUI

Attorney John G. Prior Jr. has extensive experience trying cases both in Western and Central Illinois.
Read more about Mr. Prior's experience as an Illinois Attorney.

Criminal Offenses

Bloomington, IL

Criminal Attorney

Arson

Definition of Arson.  In Illinois, a person commits arson when, by means of fire or explosive, he knowingly: (a) Damages real property, or any personal property having a value of $150 or more, of another without his consent; or (b) With intent to defraud an insurer, damages any property or any personal property having a value of $150 or more.  Property “of another” means a building or other property, whether real or personal, in which a person other than the offender has an interest which the offender has no authority to defeat or impair, even through the offender may also have an interest in the building or property.   720 ILCS 5/20-1

Issues In Arson-Real Property -To sustain the charge of arson, the State must prove the following propositions:  First Proposition:  That the defendant, by means of [ (fire) (explosive)], knowingly damaged the real property of _____________; and Second Proposition:  That the defendant did so without the consent of ___________.  The State must prove both of these propositions beyond a reasonable doubt before the defendant can be found guilty. 15.02 - Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 4th Edition

Issues In Arson-Personal Property Having A Value Of $150 Or More - To sustain the charge of arson, the State must prove the following propositions:  First Proposition:  That the defendant, by means of [ (fire) (explosive)], knowingly damaged the personal property of ____________; and Second Proposition:  That the personal property had a value of $150 or more; and Third Proposition:  That the defendant did so without the consent of ______________.   The State must prove all three of these propositions beyond a reasonable doubt before the defendant can be found guilty.  15.02A - Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 4th Edition

Issues In Arson-Insurance Fraud - To sutain the charge of arson, the State must prove the following propositions:  First Proposition:  That the defendant, by means of [ (fire) (explosive) ], knowingly damaged [ (real property) (personal property having a value of $150 or more) ]; and Second Proposition:  That the defendant did so with the intent to defraud an insurer.  The State must prove both of these propositions beyond a reasonable doubt before the defendant can be found guilty.  15.02B - Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal 4th Edition 

Sentencing - Arson is a Class 2 felony punishable by a prison term of between 3 to 7 years in the Illinios Department of Corrections, a fine up to $25,000, a 2 year term of mandatory supervised release, following  prison, and/or up to 4 years of probation or conditional discharge.  If the defendant is extended term eligible he could serve between 7 and 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.    

In all arson cases it is recommended that you seek professional legal assistance to protect your constitutional rights.  Attorney John G. Prior Jr. has experience trying arson cases, can give legal advice, assist you with your case and ensure that your constitutional rights are protected.

If you or a loved one have been charged with arson that allegedly occurred within McLean County, DeWitt County, Livingston County or in any of the other counties in Central Illinois, please contact us for a free consultation.

 

Call 309-827-4300 to schedule a free consultation, or use the form below to contact us.
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Areas We Serve

Located in Bloomington, IL, The Prior Law Firm serves the criminal law needs of the following areas: