Mississippi Criminal Law BlogAccording to an arrest report, a woman from Florida is facing charges of aggravated child neglect and arson after her car caught fire while she was allegedly shoplifting at a central Florida mall.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2023 at Oviedo Mall, where Alicia Moore, 24, parked her car in a parking lot outside a Dillard’s department store. The arrest report, filed by the Oviedo Police Department, stated that Moore left children inside the vehicle. The names and ages of the children were redacted, but it was reported that two youngsters were present.
Security personnel at the mall witnessed Moore and an unidentified man shoplifting at Dillard’s. After approximately an hour, Moore noticed her car engulfed in flames as she was leaving the store. She dropped the stolen merchandise and fled the scene.
Concerned bystanders at the mall saw the burning car and rescued the children, who were attempting to escape the fire. The children were then taken to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where one of them was treated for first-degree burns to the face and ears, as stated in the arrest report.
Moore has been charged with aggravated child neglect for leaving the children unattended in the vehicle, unable to care for themselves. Additionally, she has been charged with arson because the fire occurred while she was allegedly committing a felony, according to the report.
The public defender’s office is representing Moore, but they have not yet provided a comment. Moore is currently being held on $40,000 bail and has pleaded not guilty. Her defense attorney has filed a motion requesting her release without bail or a reduction in the bail amount to a reasonable and affordable level, as stated in court records.
Legal Definitions and Classification of Arson:
Arson, the intentional act of setting fire to property, is a serious offense that endangers lives, destroys homes, and disrupts communities. In the state of Mississippi, the legal system treats arson as a severe crime and imposes significant penalties on those convicted of this act.
Under Mississippi Code Ann. §97-17-1, arson is broadly defined as the willful and malicious burning of any structure, dwelling, or property. Arson offenses can be categorized into different degrees based on the nature and severity of the act.
Penalties for Arson in Mississippi:
- First-Degree Arson:
- Intentional burning of a dwelling, regardless of whether it is occupied or unoccupied.
- Penalties include imprisonment for a term between 5 and 20 years.
- Second-Degree Arson:
- Intentional burning of a structure, building, or property other than a dwelling.
- Penalties include imprisonment for a term between 2 and 10 years.
- Third-Degree Arson:
- Intentional burning of personal property.
- Penalties include imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and/or fines.
Consequences of an Arson Conviction:
- Incarceration:
- Arson convictions in Mississippi carry substantial prison sentences, ranging from 2 to 20 years, depending on the degree of the offense.
- The convicted individual will be separated from society and their loved ones for a significant period.
- Criminal Record:
- An arson conviction results in a permanent felony criminal record, which can have long-lasting implications.
- It can affect future employment prospects, housing opportunities, professional licenses, and personal relationships.
- Financial Consequences:
- Arson often leads to extensive property damage, resulting in significant financial losses for the victims.
- In addition to criminal penalties, the court may order the convicted individual to pay restitution to the victims to compensate for the damages caused.
- Loss of Rights and Privileges:
- Individuals convicted of arson may face the loss of certain rights and privileges, such as the right to possess firearms, voting rights, and restrictions on travel.
- Impact on Communities:
- Arson can have a devastating impact on communities, creating a climate of fear and distrust.
- It disrupts the lives of individuals, displaces families, and erodes the sense of safety and security within neighborhoods.
Arson is a destructive crime that jeopardizes lives, property, and communities. In Mississippi, the legal system imposes severe penalties for arson convictions, including significant prison sentences, permanent felony criminal records, and financial consequences. The aftermath of an arson conviction extends beyond the individual, affecting the victims and the community as a whole. It is crucial to raise awareness about the severe penalties and consequences associated with arson to deter individuals from engaging in such dangerous acts and to ensure the safety and well-being of Mississippi’s communities.
Finding an Attorney
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