Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
Earlier this week, we covered the case of US Forest Service firefighter Daniel Mariano Madrigal, who was charged in state court with arson for setting a wildland fire on July 25, 2010.
Madrigal’s attorney, Salvador Silva, admitted that his client set the fire but claimed it occurred accidentally when he discarded a cigarette that had burned him. The case was scheduled to go on trial this week in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
The case concluded Monday with Madrigal pleading no contest to the charges and accepting a two year prison term. Prosecutor Karen Khim was seeking a four year sentence, but was persuaded to take the two years provided Madrigal was not given credit for time already served. With good behavior credit Madrigal is expected to be released in roughly nine months.
