Long-time residents of Los Angeles County may never be able to forget the 2007 Malibu Corral Canyon fire that burned 4,900 acres and destroyed 53 homes. However, authorities have so far been able to link five men to the starting of the illegal fire.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the five men have been accused of illegally starting a campfire in a Malibu hills cave. The campfire soon turned into large flames due to the strong Santa Ana winds, which led the fire to spread out of control. An investigation showed that when the fire blew out of control, the men did not report the incident.
Brian Alan Anderson and William Thomas Coppock pleaded no contest earlier this week to recklessly starting a fire causing injury and causing an inhabited structure to burn. A third suspect pleaded no contest to a similar charge back in 2008 and was sentenced to five years' probation and 300 hours of community service. Two other defendants named Dean Allen Lavorante and Eric Matthew Ullman still have charges against them that are pending.
Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys that are representing the suspects said in court papers that the defendants attempted to control the fire by separating logs over the campfire flames. It can be argued that because the defendants didn't have the intent of starting the large fire, they shouldn't receive the maximum sentence, which is four years in state prison. Brian Anderson and William Coppock are set to be sentenced on September 9.
Anybody who has been accused of starting a large-scale fire should contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, especially if the allegations are incorrect or if the fire was accidental. An attorney can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you're given a fair trial.
Related Resources:
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Your Rights: The Right to Counsel (FindLaw)
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
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Accused of Arson (FindLaw Answers)
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