If you learn that you are being investigated for arson in Texas, the decisions you make early in the process deserve careful thought. Investigators may contact you before any criminal charges are filed, and several agencies may be gathering information simultaneously.
Knowing how to respond can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes while the investigation is ongoing.
Hire an Attorney With Arson Defense Experience as Early as Possible
If you believe you are being investigated for arson, your first call should be to an attorney with experience handling fire and explosion cases. Before making a statement, turning over records, or answering questions, you should have legal counsel advising you.
Arson investigations involve more than a typical criminal investigation. They often include fire scene examinations, forensic testing, expert opinions, and technical evidence regarding the origin and cause of a fire.
Having an attorney involved from the beginning can help you navigate the investigation while avoiding unnecessary mistakes.
Do Not Speak With Police or Fire Investigators Without an Attorney
A detective or police officer may contact you soon after a fire and ask to speak with you. While the questions may appear routine, investigators are gathering evidence that could later be used in a criminal prosecution.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present before answering questions. Choosing not to participate in an interview until you have spoken with your lawyer does not mean you have done anything wrong.
Before providing a written or recorded statement, discuss the request with your attorney.
Expect the Fire Department To Conduct Its Own Investigation
In addition to law enforcement, fire officials may conduct their own investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Fire investigators may request information such as:
- Building plans
- Surveillance camera footage
- A list of people who had access to the property
- Information about chemicals, cleaning products, or fuel sources stored at the location
These requests are part of the investigation. Investigators are gathering information to determine how the fire started and whether they believe a crime occurred. Before responding to those requests, speak with your attorney.
Stay Away From the Fire Scene
Fire scenes are often secured while investigators examine the property. Depending on the size of the fire and the complexity of the investigation, this process may continue for days, weeks, months, or even longer.
Do not attempt to enter the property or remove items without authorization. Investigators are documenting and collecting evidence throughout the process, and returning to the scene without permission can create additional problems.
Be Careful When Dealing With Insurance Company Investigators
If the fire involved a home, business, or other insured property, the insurance company will likely conduct its own investigation. Insurance investigators may ask you to provide documents, answer questions, or give a recorded statement while they evaluate the claim.
Although the insurance company’s investigation is separate from the criminal investigation, the information it gathers may be shared with law enforcement or the fire department. Insurance companies may also attempt to determine whether a fire was “incendiary,” meaning intentionally set rather than accidentally set.
Understand That Multiple Agencies May Be Building a Case
One unique aspect of an arson investigation is that several agencies may be conducting separate investigations simultaneously. Police investigators, fire investigators, insurance companies, and forensic laboratories may each collect evidence and develop their own conclusions about what happened.
Your statements, documents, and physical evidence may all be compared with laboratory testing and expert opinions. Because information is often shared among investigators, it is important to approach every interview and information request carefully.
Contact Chiles McGuire Criminal Law To Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a McKinney Arson Defense Attorney
If you are being investigated for arson in McKinney, Texas, do not wait until charges are filed to speak with an attorney. Chiles McGuire Criminal Law has experience handling arson cases, and Attorney Patrick McGuire has specialized ATF training in arson and explosives investigations.
Schedule a free case evaluation with our team today. We proudly serve McKinney, Collin County, and the surrounding areas.
Chiles McGuire Criminal Law
6000 Alma Rd Ste 902, McKinney, TX, 75070
(214) 432-6540
Available 24/7
