The key to defending an Arson charge is showing that a person did not “intend” to burn a structure or property, but that they also did not “knowingly” do so (i.e., “Lack of Intent” and “Lack of Knowledge”). For example, if a camper merely lights a campfire, and then it unintentionally spreads out of control, this would not necessarily qualify as Arson. In addition, there are numerous household accidents which could result in a structure being burned to the ground. The problem arises when an insurance company unfairly attempts to shift the blame onto the Defendant, rather than paying off an expensive claim. It is important to analyze all aspects of the Detective’s report to determine whether they have misconstrued any of the evidence. It may also be necessary to utilize our own investigator in order to look for faulty wiring, faulty gas line hook-ups, defective appliances, and things of this nature.

Click here to learn more about possible defenses and/or punishment for an Arson charge.

It is important to hire an AV® rated law firm (the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell®). Also, David Michael Cantor is a skilled Phoenix Criminal Attorney, and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Firm and all of its Phoenix Criminal Attorneys are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. At the Law Offices of David Michael Cantor, P.C., the majority of our Lawyers are ex-Prosecutors, and all of our Phoenix Criminal Attorneys know the system well. For a free initial consultation, call us at 1-888-822-6867, or contact Phoenix Criminal Attorney David Michael Cantor.

Nokes was arrested by the police for an extreme DWI (i.e., above .15 BAC) and requested to call an attorney prior to a blood test. The officer said (in a taped interview) that he could not recall if Nokes requested an attorney prior to the blood test or after providing blood. An associate for Phoenix criminal attorney Cantor filed a Denial of Right to Counsel Motion, and during the Evidentiary Hearing, the officer now stated that he had a specific recollection that Nokes’ requested an attorney after already providing blood. The officer was subsequently impeached on the stand when the taped interview showed that earlier he stated he had no recollection.

“The case of State v. Nokes should have been dismissed by the Scottsdale City Court judge,” said Phoenix criminal attorney David Michael Cantor. “However, we were forced to appeal to the Superior Court and ultimately got the BAC test suppressed for our client.”

The judge in the Scottsdale City Court denied the Motion even given all this information. Upon appeal, the Superior Court Judge found that the judge in Scottsdale City Court was completely unreasonable and had ignored evidence in order to rule for the State.

About the Law Offices of David Michael Cantor
The Law Offices of David Michael Cantor feature criminal defense attorneys in Arizona who are ready to represent you. As Arizona’s premier defense lawyer, David Michael Cantor defends DUI/ DWI cases, vehicular crimes, homicide, drug and sex offenses, white collar and property crimes.  David Michael Cantor is AV Rated – the highest rating possible – and was voted a Top 100 trial lawyer. David Michael Cantor has been interviewed and has appeared on Inside Edition, the CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, CNN Prime News, Hannitty and Combs, and every local news channel including Univision. In addition, his cases have been covered by CNN, MSNBC, and even Howard Stern.

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