Q: I was with a friend during the time of a fire and they want to blame it on us even though they have no proof
We were together and they questioned me and I ran up the stairs before because I had a lot of weed on me and I managed to ditch the weed which they later confiscated but has no ties to me. However, now I am the prime suspect in this arson I did not commit and they want me to come in and give a voluntary statement. The fire started at 11:24 pm according to Cornell and I have a picture at 11:18 I took downstairs in the lobby before we went back up and I have pictures and videos at 11:32 of the fire from the dorm room side I was on because I was literally just helping me friend pack up because she left the next morning. My friend and I fell asleep and slept in because we were exhausted and high and now they're saying we've been ducking their calls when it is not true at all. I just didn't want to get caught with weed and now I am going to get charged for an arson I did not commit. I had a lighter on me when they asked to search me but that was just to smoke like what do I do?
A: I'm not a criminal defense lawyer, but I note you have not asked an actual question - so I will just make a suggestion... This forum is a public place and is routinely monitored by many attorneys, including prosecutors. Obviously, you're asking a hypothetical question, but I would still suggest that you refrain from making such specific, fact-based (down to precise timelines) statements that can (and likely can) be used against you later. Get off the internet (not just here, but not even on your own social media) and have a consultation (in person) with a local criminal defense attorney ASAP.
Daniel Michael Luisi agrees with this answer
A: Do NOT Speak with the police. Consult with and retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately for proper representation. Arson is a very serious offense. If you haven ot already spoken with an experienced criminal defense attorney, do it IMMEDIATELY.
A: First off, you should not speak with any law enforcement before speaking with your own lawyer. Is it police or campus police who are trying to speak with you? Are you a student currently attending the college where this occurred? An attorney can hire an investigator to retrieve video surveillance. However, many cameras write over their video every 3, 7 or 30 days so you need to do this quickly if you believe there is exculpatory evidence out there.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
