Arson of an Apartment

My question involves criminal law for the state of: south dakota

straight to the point. my best friend set an apartment building on fire. there are only 4 apartments in this building. 2 people were sleeping when she set it on fire. the police know she did it because of phone records, and saved text messages. shes been on the run for about a month and just discovered shes pregnant... shes my friend but i want some advice. i would feel horrible to turn her in but i know it would be in her best interest. what whould i do??? how much trouble would she be in?

Encourage and assist your friend to obtain legal counsel. This is a VERY VERY SERIOUS crime. Arson on occupied structures is one step away from murder (or maybe even murder if someone even coincidentally dies in the process).

As you guess, it's just a matter of time before she is arrested. A lawyer can smooth out that procedure and lay he basis of defense and possible plea bargains.

If you are hiding her or otherwise assisting her in hiding out you could yourself be liable for criminal charges.

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Quoting flyingron

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Encourage and assist your friend to obtain legal counsel. This is a VERY VERY SERIOUS crime. Arson on occupied structures is one step away from murder (or maybe even murder if someone even coincidentally dies in the process).

As you guess, it's just a matter of time before she is arrested. A lawyer can smooth out that procedure and lay he basis of defense and possible plea bargains.

If you are hiding her or otherwise assisting her in hiding out you could yourself be liable for criminal charges.

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nobody was hurt. but she sent text messages to someone that she wished her father was in the house at the time so he wouldve died. and the police have that on record. she doesnt have any money for a lawyer. i encouraged her many times to just turn herself in, or start checking around for a probono, but she got mad at me and hasnt talked to me since. im pretty sure i know where she is staying. i dont want to be a nark or anything, but i know it would be best for her and her future child. should i just mind my p's and q's or should i call crime stoppers and leave an annonymos tip? im just so worried about her and the baby. the sooner she comes forward the faster this can be over. by the way she is only 17 years old.

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Quoting nataslove

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nobody was hurt. but she sent text messages to someone that she wished her father was in the house at the time so he wouldve died. and the police have that on record. she doesnt have any money for a lawyer. i encouraged her many times to just turn herself in, or start checking around for a probono, but she got mad at me and hasnt talked to me since. im pretty sure i know where she is staying. i dont want to be a nark or anything, but i know it would be best for her and her future child. should i just mind my p's and q's or should i call crime stoppers and leave an annonymos tip? im just so worried about her and the baby. the sooner she comes forward the faster this can be over. by the way she is only 17 years old.

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please.. i know one of you people reading this could give me some advice. part of me wants to just leave this be, but another part wants me to notify the authorities... i have no clue what i should do..

Call the police.

We aren't answering more because you got all the legal advice you need.

yeah your right. this is just really hard for me. but yes, thank you for the advice.