Alleged firebugs will need an expert arson defense attorney.
Over this past month the trend of increasing wildfire activity in southern California continued, fueled by drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and winds in the month of May, and, in some cases, arsonists.
On May 15, multiple brush fires burned more than 10,000 acres in San Diego County, destroying homes and businesses and possibly resulting in the death of a transient. Escondido police arrested two teenagers on suspicion of involvement in setting some of the fires that raged through the county that day.
According to witnesses, Isaiah Silva, 19, and a 17-year-old accomplice were allegedly seen starting one fire on South Escondido Boulevard and attempting to start another in Kit Carson Park. Police are still investigating the case.
At this time, it is hard to say what kind of charges the pair may face because arson charges can depend on the type of property burned as well as the existence of any injuries or deaths. In this case, it may be very difficult indeed to trace the path of the flames from the various fires—natural and deliberate—that were raging in the area on the night in question.
However, it is certain that the two suspects will need a quality arson defense attorney on their side. Here are the important services that an attorney could provide for them:
1. Help posting bail. Without an attorney’s help, it can be difficult to find a reputable bail bondsman, let alone negotiate a favorable agreement for your remand. At Chambers Law Firm, we have connections with two established and respected bail bonds companies that can help you post bail fast. We can also help negotiate with the authorities so that you don’t have to post the full amount of your bail in order to be released.
2. Help securing and interpreting evidence. Depending on the circumstances of the case, it may be necessary for a defense attorney to hire his own set of investigators to examine the scene of an alleged crime. In any case, an attorney’s help will be needed to interpret the evidence that the prosecution already has. An attorney can not only look for ways to cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence, but also make sure that evidence was not obtained illegally by police or investigators.
3. Help achieving the best possible outcome. Dan E. Chambers can represent arson suspects at trial or in negotiations to help them achieve the best possible outcome to their case. There may be many different options to explore including reduced charges and plea deals.
4. Help expunging a sentence. If the 17-year-old suspect is tried as a juvenile, he may be eligible to have any conviction that may result expunged from his permanent record. Dan E. Chambers can provide advice and assistance with this process too.
