Arson

Anthony P. Kearns, III, Former Two-Term Hunterdon County Prosecutor

Anthony Kearns has experience working on both sides of the criminal justice systems and has garnered statewide recognition as a criminal defense attorney. He is the only Hunterdon County prosecutor to date to have been appointed to that position for two terms, giving him the distinction of being Hunterdon County’s longest serving prosecutor. This experience afforded Mr. Kearns unique insight into how the State prepares and prosecutes criminal cases, which he now uses to mount skilled and powerful defense of the charges against his clients.

Mr. Kearns was chosen for membership to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers in 2024, an invitation-only professional organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from each state or region who meet precise qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers.

Victor A. Rotolo, Trial Attorney with More Than Four Decades of Experience

Victor Rotolo, a former officer with the Elizabeth, NJ Police Department, has 40-plus years’ experience as a practicing trial attorney in the State of New Jersey. During this time, he has represented thousands of clients in all stages of litigation throughout the courts of New Jersey and has successfully argued cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court as well.

New Jersey Super Lawyers List

Anthony P. Kearns and Victor A. Rotolo have been included on the List of New Jersey Super Lawyers for 2024. Mr. Rotolo has been included on this list since 2006 marking this his nineteenth consecutive year of inclusion. This is Mr. Kearns first year of selection. The list of New Jersey Super Lawyers is generated by the Thomson Reuters organization which employs the following methodology and set of standards to compile the list each year. Super Lawyers Selection Methodology [No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]

Martindale-Hubbell Rating

Both Anthony P. Kearns and Victor A. Rotolo have achieved the highest rating of “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, the oldest nationally recognized legal reference company in the country. Martindale-Hubbell employs the following methodology and set standards to determine ratings. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings Methodology. [No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]

Certified Civil Trial Attorney

Victor A. Rotolo is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.

"A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney must have:

• been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years
• demonstrated a substantial level of experience in civil trial law
• been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work
• taken and passed a written examination in civil trial law."

Source: Supreme Court of New Jersey, Board on Attorney Certification, Brochure on Certified Civil Trial Attorney. See Rule 1:39: Specialty Certification of Attorneys.

Degrees of Arson

The severity of the penalties for this crime depends on the degree of arson committed. In New Jersey, arson can range from a 1st to a 3rd degree crime:

• 1st degree arson is charged when a building or structure is set on fire with the knowledge that someone is inside
• 2nd degree arson is charged when an empty building or structure is set on fire with no one inside
• 3rd degree arson is charged when property is set on fire when no one else is present

Arson is also classified in two categories: simple arson and aggravated arson. Aggravated arson is when the person setting the fire is fully aware of the presence of someone in the building and has the intention of causing harm to that person(s). Aggravated arson requires the malicious and willful intent to cause harm to another in connection with the fire.

Arson is a serious criminal offense with equally serious consequences. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney versed in arson and fire-related damages can help protect your rights and represent your best interests in court. Messrs. Kearns and Rotolo draw on experience from both the legal and judicial systems to develop strategies for helping their clients’ arson-related charges. Together with their legal team, they will work to defend you against any criminal charges you may be facing. Contact Kearns Rotolo Law today!