An arson charge in James City County is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-77, carrying 2-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in James City County. An Arson Lawyer James City County can build a strong defense against these serious allegations.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Under Virginia law, arson is defined as the malicious and intentional burning of a dwelling house, building, or other structure. The statute covers both completed arson and attempted arson. A conviction requires proof that you acted willfully and maliciously. The prosecution must show you intended to destroy the property by fire. An Arson Lawyer James City County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the evidence and intent elements of your case.
For the full text of the arson statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Williamsburg/James City County General District Court website is available at vacourts.gov (official court website).
- Step 1: Contact an Arson Lawyer James City County immediately after arrest or investigation begins.
- Step 2: Your attorney will request discovery, including fire marshal reports and witness statements.
- Step 3: A preliminary hearing in GDC determines probable cause for the felony charge.
- Step 4: If bound over, your case proceeds to James City County Circuit Court for trial.
- Step 5: Your lawyer negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney or prepares for jury trial.
In James City County, arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 carries 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of dwelling | Class 4 felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution |
| Arson of other structure | Class 5 felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement personnel who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
In James City County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at James City County courts (5201 Monticello Ave), accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199. We serve Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
Arson Lawyer James City County — near Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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Yes, arson is a felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-77.
It depends on the circumstances. Intent is a key element the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
No, Virginia does not have a mandatory minimum sentence for arson under § 18.2-77, but the sentencing range is 2-10 years.
Yes, you have the right to a jury trial in James City County Circuit Court for any felony charge.
It depends. A strong defense can lead to dismissal, reduction, or acquittal. Contact an Arson Lawyer James City County to evaluate your case.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.