Arson Lawyer Virginia Beach — Defending Against Serious Fire-Related Criminal Charges
Arson is a serious felony in Virginia Beach, prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-77 and related statutes, with penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment. If you are accused of intentionally setting a fire, you need an experienced arson lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm has documented case results in Virginia Beach and provides 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Arson Laws and Penalties
Arson involves the willful and malicious burning of a dwelling, building, or other property. In Virginia, the severity of the charge depends on the type of property damaged and whether anyone was endangered. The primary statute is Va. Code § 18.2-77 (Burning or destroying dwelling house, etc.), which makes it a felony to burn any dwelling house, manufactured home, or building. Other related statutes cover burning other structures, personal property, and lands.
An arson charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach must understand the specific elements the Commonwealth must prove: a burning, that it was willful and malicious, and that it was of the specified property. Defenses often challenge intent, the cause and origin of the fire, or the validity of evidence.
Potential Penalties for Arson in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, arson carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, with the specific classification depending on the property involved.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burning a Dwelling (Va. Code § 18.2-77) | Class 3 Felony | 5 to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding housing/employment |
| Burning Other Buildings (Va. Code § 18.2-78) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Restitution for property damage |
| Burning Personal Property (Va. Code § 18.2-83) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same as above |
| Burning with Intent to Defraud an Insurer (Va. Code § 18.2-85) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Insurance fraud charges, civil liability |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Fire-Related Charges
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex criminal cases like arson. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we use every resource to defend you. We scrutinize the fire marshal’s report, challenge forensic evidence, and investigate alternative causes or accidental explanations.
- Immediate Case Review: We secure all reports from the Fire Marshal and police to identify weaknesses in the investigation.
- experienced Consultation: We consult with independent fire investigation experts to analyze the evidence.
- Intent Defense: We build a defense showing lack of willful or malicious intent, arguing accident or lack of knowledge.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or challenge the admissibility of experienced opinions.
- Trial or Negotiation: We prepare for a vigorous trial defense while seeking opportunities to negotiate reduced charges like unlawful burning or destruction of property.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Virginia Beach, we have documented case results across all practice areas. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, ensuring a thorough defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Arson Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). We are your local arson lawyer Virginia Beach resource, serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Virginia Beach Arson Defense FAQs
What is the difference between arson and unlawful burning in Virginia?
Yes, there is a major difference. Arson (Va. Code § 18.2-77) requires willful and malicious intent to burn a specific type of property and is a felony. Unlawful burning (Va. Code § 18.2-86) involves burning that is not willful or malicious, or involves different property, and is often a misdemeanor. A skilled arson lawyer Virginia Beach can argue for a reduction to unlawful burning.
Can I go to jail for accidentally starting a fire?
It depends. If the fire was truly accidental and you lacked malicious intent, you should not be convicted of arson. However, you could face lesser charges like reckless burning or be held civilly liable. The prosecution must prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a key point a fire-related criminal charge lawyer Virginia Beach will challenge.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for arson?
Number one: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be misconstrued. An arson lawyer Virginia Beach can intervene, advise you on your rights, and potentially prevent charges from being filed.
Are there defenses to an arson charge?
Yes. Common defenses include lack of intent (accident), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence of a deliberate burn, or an alternative cause of the fire (like electrical fault). Challenging the scientific methods of the fire investigation is also a powerful defense strategy an experienced arson charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach will employ.
What court handles arson cases in Virginia Beach?
Felony arson charges begin with a preliminary hearing at the Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway). If probable cause is found, the case is sent to Virginia Beach Circuit Court for a jury trial. You need a lawyer familiar with both courts.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other serious charges, our firm also provides defense for DUI, Virginia criminal defense, and defense in neighboring Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.