Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

Arson causing death

Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
ADLA member for - VIC

Written by
Bill Doogue
Criminal Defence Lawyer


Murder / Manslaughter Offences - VIC
The Law - Arson causing death

What the Law states - Arson causing death


Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 197A

Arson causing death

197A. Arson causing death

A person who commits arson as defined in section 197 and thereby causes the death of another person is guilty of an indictable offence.

Maximum Penalty in Victoria


The maximum penalty for a charge of arson causing death is 25 years imprisonment.

The charge of arson causing death is defined as a significant offence. Significant offences are a new category of offences introduced to the Sentencing Act 1991 by the Sentencing Further Amendment Act 2011. Offenders who commit a significant offence on or after 1 May 2011 will no longer be eligible for a suspended sentence in any of the Courts.

What the Prosecution must prove - Arson causing death - Vic


1. Damage of property

2. That it was damaged by fire

3. That the damage to the property by fire caused the death of another person.

Possible Defences - Arson causing death


No intent to start fire

Factual dispute

Duress

Necessity

Which court will hear the charge of Arson causing death


The charge of arson causing death is heard in the County Court
Article published on 09/01/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
Criminal Lawyers Melbourne