Man Arrested for Attempting To Burn Down House
A man was arrested when he allegedly assaulted his wife and attempted to burn down his own home, according to recent reports. The 44-year-old Phoenix man was charged with assault in connection with an alleged attack on his wife in their home at Shangri La Road and 26th Street. He then was said to have set a fire in the master bedroom closet in an attempt to burn down the home. The wife and four children escaped the home uninjured. When police arrived, the man became involved in an altercation with one of the officers, who sustained minor injuries. Police used a taser to subdue the man, who was also treated for minor injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of endangerment, arson, aggravated assault, criminal damage and resisting arrest. An investigation into the case continues.
Can I Be Arrested Without Proof?
The police are empowered to make arrests using their judgment of what constitutes an immediate threat to others. When they arrive at a scene, they may make arrests based on the information they are given. This means that one or more people may be arrested even if it has not been “proven” that the suspects are guilty. However, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. In many cases, people are arrested only to be released later for lack of evidence or because new facts came to light that exonerate them. This is one reason why it is so important not to give an interview with the police prior to speaking to an attorney. Things that you say when arrested could be construed as evidence of your guilt, even if you are not guilty of committing a crime. If you have been arrested, there are several things you should do immediately, including:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Be polite, but do not answer any questions or give any information to police beyond basic facts like your name. Wait for your attorney to answer questions.
- Be cooperative. No one likes being arrested, but fighting with the police can simply add to your problems. If you are innocent, let your attorney show this to the police so that you can be released.
- Call an attorney. The most important thing you can do is call a lawyer and have him or her represent you in all interactions with the police.
The criminal defense attorneys at the Oswalt Law Group are ready to help you. Call today for a consultation about your case.