 The state sentence was overturned on appeal, however, on grounds that the presiding judge had "the appearance of prejudice" because smoke from the fire had motivated him to voluntarily leave his home for one night.In March 2008, Barton was re-sentenced by a different judge to 15 years of probation and 1,000 hours community service.Several insurance companies filed a $7 million suit against the government in the fall of 2008, claiming that Barton was negligent in her duties.