When you think of the 4^th of July, you think of fireworks in Castle Rock and Lone Tree. Most gather to watch the show put on by the city, but some choose to put on their own fireworks show. Lone Tree Police are offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information about a personal firework show that used illegal fireworks and started a fire. According to the Denver Post, the illegal fireworks started a wildfire after sparks landed on dry grass and brush. The fire spread quickly and reached a park where many were gathered to watch a professional firework show. If the person or people responsible are found, they will likely be facing felony Fourth Degree Arson charges.

Douglas County 4^th Degree Arson Lawyer: What is the Definition of Fourth Degree Arson?

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Fourth Degree Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-105 – is:

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A person who knowingly or recklessly starts or maintains a fire or causes an explosion, on his own property or that of another, and by so doing places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury or places any building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage commits fourth degree arson.”

Because fireworks were involved, it would be my guess that the fire was started recklessly, not knowingly. Too bad the law doesn’t allow for accidents, because I would bet the fire started accidentally.

Sentence for Fireworks Fourth Degree Arson in Highlands Ranch

4^th Degree Arson can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the situation surrounding the fire. If only property is endangered, then it is a misdemeanor Arson charge. However, if people are endangered by the fire, then it is a class 4 felony in Highlands Ranch. This particular fire endangered the people at the nearby park, so likely the person charged would be facing the felony. A class 4 felony in Douglas County is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines. These fines do not include restitution, which would be totaled based on the amount of damage the fire caused, and any crime stoppers reward paid out by law enforcement.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Fourth Degree Arson in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, or Douglas County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Castle Rock criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950 today. Together, we can protect your future.

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