Facing arson charges in Henrico County? Under Va. Code § 18.2-77, arson is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County courts. An Arson Lawyer Henrico County can build your defense today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 as the malicious burning of a dwelling house, meeting house, or other building. The statute covers both completed arson and attempted arson. A conviction requires proof that you intentionally set the fire. Accidental fires do not meet the legal standard for arson. The prosecution must show malicious intent beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a felony-level offense in Henrico County.
Review the full statute at Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Henrico County General District Court.
- Step 1: Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Preserve all evidence. Photos, videos, and witness contact information can support your defense.
- Step 3: Request a preliminary hearing in Henrico County General District Court within 21-60 days of arrest.
- Step 4: File any motions to suppress evidence obtained without a warrant or probable cause.
- Step 5: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal before trial.
In Henrico County, arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 carries 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of dwelling (Va. Code § 18.2-77) | Class 4 felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None specific | Permanent criminal record, loss of gun rights, housing restrictions |
| Attempted arson (Va. Code § 18.2-26) | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | None specific | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia family law. This demonstrates the firm’s ability to effect real change in Virginia law.
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
Secondary attorney: Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Joined firm in 2010.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is accessible from Henrico County courts via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
Arson lawyer near Henrico County — near Short Pump Town Center and Innsbrook Corporate Center.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009. Meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Q: Can arson charges be reduced in Henrico County?
Yes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may reduce arson to a lesser charge like destruction of property if the evidence is weak. Negotiation before trial is common. An Arson Lawyer Henrico County can pursue this option.
Q: What is the penalty for arson in Henrico County, Virginia?
Arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. Attempted arson is a Class 5 felony with 1-10 years or up to 12 months plus $2,500.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a fire-related charge in Henrico County?
Yes. Fire-related charges in Henrico County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Henrico County General District Court. Even a first offense carries felony penalties. An arson charge defense lawyer Henrico County can protect your rights.
Q: How does bail work for arson in Henrico County?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court. Personal recognizance is less common for arson due to the severity.
Q: What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for arson in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles felony preliminary hearings. Henrico County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for arson.
Q: Can arson charges be expunged in Henrico County?
Yes, if the case ends in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Convictions generally cannot be expunged. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer Henrico County can file the petition.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
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Nearby localities: Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Hanover County Criminal Defense Lawyer
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