Reckless Burning of Lands in Florida

Under Florida Statute 590.28, the crime of Reckless Burning of Lands is defined as recklessly causing lands owned by another person to catch on fire.

Reckless Burning of Lands is a Second Degree Misdemeanor.

General Intent Crime

The crime of Reckless Burning of Lands is a general intent crime, which means that the State is not required to prove that you specifically knew discarding an object would cause a fire.

Penalties for Reckless Burning of Lands

In Florida, the crime of Reckless Burning of Lands is a Second Degree Misdemeanor punishable by up to sixty (60) days in jail, six (6) months of probation, and a $500 fine.

If convicted of Reckless Burning of Lands, a judge may sentence a person to probation, but may also impose a sentence up to the statutory maximum of sixty days in jail.

Defenses to Reckless Burning of Lands

In addition to the pretrial defenses and trial defenses that can be raised in any criminal case, specific defenses to the crime of Reckless Burning of Lands are:

Lack of Vegetation

If the ignition source was discarded in an area that lacked combustible vegetation, such as a mall parking lot, the State would be unable to prove that a “wildfire” could occur.

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby

If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of Reckless Burning of Lands in Central Florida or the Greater Orlando area, contact Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.

The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.