Arson charges in Ohio carry serious felony penalties, and the evidence in these cases — fire investigation reports, accelerant testing, insurance records, and expert witnesses — is technical and contested. A conviction can mean years in prison, significant fines, and civil liability on top of criminal penalties. These cases require a defense attorney who knows how to challenge complex forensic evidence and who is not afraid to take a case to trial.
Moran & Fisher, Attorneys at Law, LLC defends clients charged with arson and aggravated arson in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas and throughout Northeast Ohio.
The Arson Charges We Defend
Aggravated Arson (O.R.C. § 2909.02) — Creating a substantial risk of serious physical harm to another person by means of fire or explosion, or causing serious physical harm to any person by fire or explosion. A first- or second-degree felony depending on the extent of the risk or harm involved. [TODO: confirm current F1/F2 sentencing ranges for attorney review]
Arson (O.R.C. § 2909.03) — Knowingly causing or creating a substantial risk of physical harm to property of another, or to property owned by the offender with intent to defraud. A fourth- or third-degree felony in most circumstances, with escalation based on the value of the property and the circumstances of the offense. [TODO: confirm current felony degree triggers and sentencing ranges for attorney review]
Insurance Fraud / Arson-for-Profit — Where the prosecution alleges arson was motivated by an insurance claim, additional charges under Ohio's insurance fraud statutes may be filed alongside the arson count. This can significantly increase the total exposure.
What's at Stake
Aggravated arson as a first-degree felony carries among the most serious prison sentences in Ohio's felony framework. Even lower-level arson charges produce felony records with lasting consequences. If the fire injured people or destroyed significant property, civil lawsuits may follow the criminal case. Where insurance fraud is alleged, federal prosecution is also possible depending on the circumstances.
How Moran & Fisher Defends Arson Cases
Arson prosecutions are built on fire investigation science — and that science is not infallible. Fire cause-and-origin determinations have been challenged successfully in courts across the country based on evolving forensic standards. We take the prosecution's evidence apart:
Challenging fire investigation findings. The prosecution's case typically rests on a fire investigator's conclusion that a fire was incendiary. These determinations involve complex scientific analysis and are subject to interpretation. We examine whether the investigation followed accepted standards and whether the evidence actually supports an incendiary origin.
Alibi and alternative explanations. Accidental fires are common. We develop the factual record — weather conditions, electrical systems, prior structural issues, and other factors — that supports an innocent explanation.
Motions to suppress. Attorney Moran has significant experience writing and successfully arguing motions to suppress evidence obtained through wrongful police conduct. In arson investigations, the manner in which police and fire investigators entered and searched the scene can be legally significant.
Trial-tested defense. With over 100 jury trials and over 300 bench trials of combined experience, our attorneys bring real courtroom preparation to every arson case, including the ability to present and cross-examine expert witnesses effectively.
Appellate backstop. Moran & Fisher has written and argued over 500 appeals. If your case involves errors at the trial level, we are prepared to pursue relief in the Court of Appeals and beyond.
Why Moran & Fisher
Arson cases require an attorney who can engage with complex technical evidence without losing sight of the human story underneath it. Moran & Fisher is a boutique firm with direct partner attention on every case. Attorney Moran is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell (peer and judicial rating) and is widely recognized by Cleveland lawyers as one of the city's most respected courthouse defense attorneys.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.