A man in Elbert County was arrested last week. He is accused of starting a fire that burned hundreds of acres. Now, he is facing criminal charges of second degree arson, intentionally setting a wild fire, reckless endangerment and trespassing. These charges could carry significant jail time and fines if the man is convicted.


The man was working as a volunteer firefighter in the county at the time, and police aren't saying why they think the man allegedly started the fire. This was at a time when many other wildfires were burning throughout the state, resulting in strained resources. This case may be very public because the fire required the evacuation of an entire town and was very destructive.

When a person is convicted of a very public crime, they might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Colorado. An attorney can help a person understand their rights and work to protect their reputation. The man in this case was a firefighter, and an arson charge could definitely hurt his professional and personal reputation.

When a person is placed under arrest, they should be read their rights. If a person is forced to answer questions without understanding their rights, some evidence that is collected might be inadmissible. Attorneys can help those who are accused of crimes make sure their rights haven't been violated in the past and ensure they receive a fair trial. Even though every case may be different, each person is entitled to certain rights and should be treated respectfully.

Source: CBS Denver, "Volunteer Firefighter Arrested In 2012 Summer Wildfire Arson Case," Feb. 6, 2013

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