Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

My brother is accused of setting a home fire. He is an alcoholic and does not remember starting the fire in the home that he and his girlfriend shared. He states that he woke up to the fire alarm and tried to put the fire out. She lost the upstairs to her home and is declaring that he started the fire. He may have but he does not remember this.

He went into a short term alcohol rehab facility. And is due out tomorrow. We do not know if he is going to be charged with setting the fire or not. THere has been no communication from the police. I suspect they would have called his cell phone but his girlfriend turned his off. His girlfriend stated the fire department told her it was " Human Started".

Should he call the police station after he gets out? Should he seek legal aid first?

Our family is devastated by this turn of events and we are unsure how to proceed with this set of events.


Asked on 10/04/09, 9:17 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Get an attorney on board asap. Do nit speak to the police or anyone else without legal counsel. Visit www.kliszlaw.com to discuss further. Tim Klisz

Read more
Answered on 10/09/09, 9:30 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Do nothing, say nothing, go to AA. "Human Started" is not "Arson of a domicile". Devastation is an overreaction.

Read more
Answered on 10/10/09, 12:45 am
Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

If your brother is being charged or being investigated for arson, retain an attorney quickly. Arson is a very serious crime. It requires malice, thus intoxication may be a defense. He will need adequate and agressive representation not just sales puffing. Contact (888) 484-9349 if your brother's matter is in the southeast michigan area.

Read more
Answered on 10/11/09, 6:25 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Michigan