Understanding Unlawful Burning in Oklahoma
Hello, I’m Oklahoma City attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, and I practice primarily in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area. Today, we are going to be discussing unlawful burning.
Unlawful burning covers both the civil and criminal aspects of burning property without the owner’s permission. This generally applies when someone carelessly or willfully sets fire to another person’s undeveloped or wild land.
What Constitutes Unlawful Burning?
To be considered unlawful:
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- The land must not belong to you.
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- You must not have permission to burn on it.
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- The burning is either done carelessly or willfully.
If this occurs, you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor, which could result in:
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- A fine of up to $500.
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- Up to one year in jail.
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- Or both.
Potential Consequences of Unlawful Burning
But it doesn’t stop there—criminal punishment does not shield you from civil liability. The property owner may also sue you in civil court for any damages caused.
Because of this, it is extremely important to ensure that:
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- You have permission to burn on a property, and
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- Your actions are not careless or reckless.
If you found this video helpful or believe it could help someone else, please visit TheOklahomaCityAttorney.com.
Schedule Your Low-Cost Consultation Today
My name is Dillan Savage, and I’m the Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney with Wirth Law Office. For assistance with unlawful burning or any other legal issues, call us at 405-888-5400. Thank you for watching.
