Attorney
If you’ve been accused of arson after a house fire, your entire future could be on the line. What began as a tragedy can quickly turn into a criminal investigation, with you at its center. In Texas, arson carries lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and the permanent stigma of a felony conviction.
Whether the fire was an accident or you had nothing to do with it at all, now is the time to protect yourself. You need a lawyer. Immediately.
How a Fire Turns Into a Felony Charge
After a structure fire, investigators from the local fire marshal’s office and sometimes federal agencies will arrive to determine the cause. What they’re looking for isn’t just how the fire started, but whether it was intentionally set and by whom.
You might think it’s obvious the fire was an accident. But if the damage is extensive, or if there’s any reason for suspicion (insurance coverage, recent arguments, financial stress), investigators may start piecing together a case against you. Often, the person who owned or rented the property becomes the first person they question.
It doesn’t take much for things to escalate. A neighbor’s comment, a previous dispute, or an old text message can be taken out of context and twisted into a motive. The presence of accelerants, even if they were stored legally on-site, can raise suspicions. And before you know it, you’re facing a felony arson charge.
What the Law Says About Arson in Texas
Under Texas Penal Code § 28.02, arson is the intentional setting of a fire or causing an explosion with the intent to destroy or damage:
- Any building or habitation
- A vehicle or other structure
- Property for the purpose of collecting insurance
- Property that places others in danger of death or bodily injury
Most arson charges are classified as second-degree felonies, which carry a prison term of 2 to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000. If someone was injured or killed in the fire, the charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony, with life in prison as a possibility.
These are not charges you can explain your way out of. You need a strong defense, built by someone who knows how these cases work.
What to Do If You’re Being Investigated
Even if you haven’t been formally charged, talking to investigators without a lawyer is a major risk. You may think you’re helping, but anything you say can be misinterpreted—or worse, used against you later.
Here’s what to do:
- Do not speak to fire investigators or law enforcement without an attorney
- Avoid posting anything about the incident on social media.
- Preserve documents or communications related to the property or incident.
- Call a criminal defense attorney immediately.
The earlier you bring in legal help, the more control you have over what happens next.
How We Defend Against Arson Charges
Arson cases are often built on assumptions and circumstantial evidence. At Daniel Collins Law, we challenge:
- The fire marshal’s findings and investigative methods
- Alleged motives like financial trouble or insurance claims
- Testimony from neighbors, family members, or other biased sources
- The validity of any forensic evidence (e.g., chemical accelerants)
- Whether the fire was caused by faulty wiring, appliances, or natural conditions
If the state can’t meet its burden of proof, we’ll fight for the case to be dismissed or for charges to be reduced.
Why Timing Matters
Waiting too long to seek legal help can exacerbate your situation. Witnesses disappear. Evidence gets lost. Prosecutors start building their narrative—and if you’re not doing the same, you’ll be at a disadvantage from the start.
In Fort Worth, arson charges are taken seriously by both prosecutors and judges. If you’ve been accused or think you’re under suspicion, don’t wait to find out how far things might go. Get an attorney on your side now.
Call Daniel Collins Law Today
We understand how quickly things can spiral after a fire—and how devastating it is to be accused of something you didn’t do. At Daniel Collins Law, we stand with clients who are facing serious charges and need someone to fight for them. If you’re being investigated for arson or have already been charged, call us today for a free consultation.