The Approach
Arson cases are forensically complex and emotionally charged. The right expert team, and the right legal strategy, make all the difference.
If you are facing arson defense charges in Modesto, Stanislaus County, or anywhere in California's Central Valley, the first 72 hours often shape the entire trajectory of your case. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Jared Jordan has stood on both sides of the courtroom and knows exactly how prosecutors build, and overcharge, these allegations. That insight becomes your advantage at every stage: arraignment, preliminary hearing, motion practice, and trial.
Every arson defense engagement at the Law Office of Jared Jordan begins with a detailed case audit covering fire-cause expert defense, reckless burning vs. arson, insurance-fraud crossover, federal and state cases. We isolate the weakest link in the state's evidence, file the suppression and dismissal motions that matter, and prepare every file as if it is going to a jury, because the cases that prosecutors negotiate hardest are the ones where defense counsel is visibly ready to try them.
Free, confidential consultations are available the same day. Call (209) 554-2021 to speak directly with Jared, not a screener, not a junior associate.
What We Handle
- Fire-cause expert defense
- Reckless burning vs. arson
- Insurance-fraud crossover
- Federal and state cases
Arson Defense: questions we hear most.
What are the penalties for arson defense in California?+
Penalties for arson defense vary based on prior record, statutory enhancements, and the specific code section charged. Consequences can range from informal probation to multi-year state prison terms, plus collateral damage to licensing, immigration status, and firearm rights. A case-specific consultation is the only reliable way to scope exposure.
Can a arson defense charge be reduced or dismissed?+
Yes, depending on the strength of the state's evidence, the legality of the search or stop, and available diversion programs. Our defense begins with a forensic review of every police report, body-camera file, and discovery item to identify the constitutional and evidentiary issues that produce dismissals or felony-to-misdemeanor reductions.
Why hire a former prosecutor for arson defense defense?+
Because we know how the other side thinks. Jared Jordan spent years as a Deputy District Attorney in the Central Valley filing and trying the exact charges he now defends. That experience translates directly into more accurate case valuation, sharper cross-examination, and better outcomes at every stage.
Do you handle arson defense cases outside of Modesto?+
Yes. We regularly appear in Stanislaus County Superior Court and San Joaquin County Superior Court, with location-specific practice pages for Turlock, Ripon, Manteca, Del Rio, Oakdale, and Riverbank. One firm, one attorney, one defense, across the full Central Valley footprint.
Arson Defense across the Central Valley.
One attorney, one defense, across Stanislaus and San Joaquin County Superior Courts.
Arson Defense, Modesto
The courthouse is our home block.
Arson Defense, Turlock
Protecting your degree and career velocity.
Arson Defense, Ceres
Modesto-adjacent, courthouse-close.
Arson Defense, Oakdale
The Cowboy Capital deserves a courtroom cowboy.
Arson Defense, Newman
Small-town intimacy, big-city defense.
Arson Defense, Patterson
Apricot Capital, I-5 defense corridor.
Arson Defense, Riverbank
Trial-tested defense for the City of Action.
Arson Defense, Hughson
Agricultural roots, big-city defense.
Arson Defense, Waterford
Riverside community, courthouse-ready defense.
Arson Defense, Salida
Highway 99 north, courthouse close.
Arson Defense, Denair
Close-knit community, county-seat defense.
Arson Defense, Keyes
Between Ceres and Turlock, ready for either courtroom.
Arson Defense, Del Rio
Elite defense for Del Rio's most established families.
Arson Defense, Ripon
Discreet defense for those with the most to lose.
Arson Defense, Manteca
Trial-tested presence in the Stockton courthouse.