Arson Laws in Nebraska

First-degree arson is intentionally damaging a building or its contents by fire or explosion when a person is inside and the actor knows it or it is reasonably probable, or starting a fire during a robbery, burglary or felony criminal mischief with someone present; it is a Class II felony (1 to 50 years). Second-degree arson is the same conduct without anyone present, a Class III felony (up to 4 years); burning one's own building with everyone's consent for a lawful purpose is a defense. Third-degree arson is burning another person's property that is not a building, a Class IV felony (up to 2 years) if damage is $1,500 or more, a Class I misdemeanor for $500 to $1,500, and a Class II misdemeanor under $500.

Nebraska's rule on court-appointed lawyers: 'Indigent means the inability to retain legal counsel without prejudicing one's financial ability to provide economic necessities for one's self or one's family' (§ 29-3901(4)). Before a felony defendant's initial court appearance the public defender makes the indigency determination; after that, the court does. At the first appearance the judge advises the defendant of the right to court-appointed counsel if indigent; if the defendant asserts indigency, the court makes a reasonable inquiry into the defendant's financial condition and requires an affidavit of indigency, and if indigency is found it appoints the public defender or county conflict counsel (§ 29-3903). Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 29-3901, 29-3903

Lawyers set their own fees, and Nebraska has rules on how they may charge. See hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Nebraska for fee rules, how to check a lawyer's license and free help.

How release before trial works in Nebraska: 'Any bailable defendant shall be ordered released from custody pending judgment on his or her personal recognizance' unless the judge determines that release would not reasonably assure appearance or would jeopardize safety or the evidence (§ 29-901(1)). Defendants charged with certain Class IIIA, IV or V misdemeanors or ordinance violations must generally be released on recognizance or non-bond conditions, with listed exceptions (§ 29-901(2)). If recognizance is denied, the judge must consider the defendant's ability to pay and impose 'the least onerous' conditions that will reasonably assure appearance — supervised custody, travel or residence restrictions, or a bond; an appearance bond may be posted by a cash deposit with the clerk of a sum not to exceed ten percent of the bond amount (90% is returned after the case; minimum deposit $25) (§ 29-901(3)). Eligibility for release or supervision 'shall under no circumstances be conditioned upon the defendant's ability to pay,' and supervision fees must be waived for those unable to pay (§ 29-901(6)). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-901 What happens after an arrest.

Each state sets its own rules for sealing or expunging records. See Nebraska expungement and record sealing rules.