Before someone can be convicted of the crime of arson, the prosecutor must prove 3 things:

  1. The person charged with arson damaged by means of fire or explosion a structure that was owned by the person charged or by another person.
  2. a. The damage was done willfully and unlawfully; or
    b. The damage was caused while the person charged was committing a felony.
  3. The structure is a structure as defined by Florida law. Structure is defined as:
  • Any building of any kind.
  • Any enclosed area with a roof over it.
  • Any real property and its appurtenances such as a barn or a house.
  • Any tent or other portable building.
  • Any vehicle.
  • Any vessel.
  • Any watercraft.
  • Any aircraft.

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WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
Speak with your witnesses.
Present legal motions to the judge.
Investigate your defenses.
Represent you at your trial.
Try to get the best possible result for you.
  • Over 34 Years of Experience – Ronald S. Chapman has represented clients facing both state and federal charges since 1990, and he has had more than 200 trials.
  • Numerous 5-star Reviews – Our West Palm Beach law firm has accumulated five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Lawyers.com, Avvo, and other sites.
  • Sole Practitioner– As a sole practitioner, Ronald S. Chapman works directly with each client he serves instead of handing them off to staff members.
  • Represents Clients in State and Federal Court – While some West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers handle only state charges or federal charges, Ronald S. Chapman handles both types of charges ranging from state-level assault charges to federal-level drug trafficking and white-collar crimes.
  • Bilingual Legal Services – Ronald S. Chapman provides legal services in English and Spanish, so you won’t have any trouble communicating with him.

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Real Clients, Real Testimonials

Mr. Chapman, I want to thank you for all your time, effort, and good counsel given in the cases of Gonzalo C., both in the State court and in the Federal court. I was especially impressed with the attention to detail, the phone calls, the jail visits, and the interviews with Gonzalo’s wife and her nephew, all done to completely familiarize yourself with his cases. The charges and the facts were irrefutable, and a not-guilty plea was not an option. Nonetheless, though he was facing prison time as well as a large fine, through legal expertise and persuasive negotiating, you succeeded in securing his time served and one-year supervision. Thank you and well done.
William G. Taylor

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When you’re caught up in the criminal justice system in Florida, every court date, police report, and legal term can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been facing criminal charges in Palm Beach County or anywhere in South Florida, hearing the words “nolle prosequi” may have caught you by surprise. You might find yourself asking, what does […]

How Long Does a Warrant Last in Florida?

Maybe you found out during a background check. Maybe an officer showed up at your door. However you learned about it, seeing that there’s a warrant out in your name is a shock. Whether it stems from a missed court date, a misunderstanding, or a criminal investigation, it raises the same question, how long does […]

Florida’s Street Racing Law One Year Later: What Drivers Should Know Before Summer 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – As summer approaches, law enforcement agencies across Florida are expected to ramp up efforts to crack down on illegal street racing and stunt driving. These high-risk behaviors typically spike during the summer months, and under Florida’s expanded law, the consequences are now more severe than ever. Senate Bill 1764, which […]

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Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.