Arson Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Facing arson charges in New Kent 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 4 documented results in New Kent County. An Arson Lawyer New Kent County from our firm can build your defense.
Virginia Arson Laws and Penalties
Virginia law defines arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 as the malicious and intentional burning of a dwelling house, church, or other building. This is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. An arson charge defense lawyer New Kent County can explain the specific elements the prosecution must prove.
Last verified: 2026-04 | New Kent County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the official statute at Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the New Kent County General District Court.
Insider Procedural Edge for Arson Cases in New Kent County
New Kent County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony arson cases. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove malicious intent. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer New Kent County knows that evidence from fire marshals is often central to these cases.
- Step 1: Contact an attorney immediately after arrest. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Step 2: Your attorney will request a preliminary hearing in General District Court to challenge probable cause.
- Step 3: If bound over to Circuit Court, your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence from the fire investigation.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a plea to a lesser charge, such as destruction of property.
- Step 5: If no plea is reached, prepare for a jury trial in New Kent County Circuit Court.
In New Kent County, arson carries a penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of a Dwelling (Va. Code § 18.2-77) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Arson of Personal Property (Va. Code § 18.2-80) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arson Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds arson cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the fire investigation and challenge the evidence against you.
Our team also includes Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, and Matthew Greene, who has over 30 years of criminal defense experience.
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented case results in New Kent County: 3 dismissals/not guilty verdicts and 1 reduction/amendment, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location and Service Area
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
Searching for an “Arson Lawyer New Kent County” or a “fire-related criminal charge lawyer New Kent County“? We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arson Charges in New Kent County
What is the penalty for arson in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Arson of a dwelling is a Class 4 felony with 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
Yes. Arson of a dwelling under Va. Code § 18.2-77 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Lesser charges like arson of personal property are Class 5 felonies.
Can arson charges be reduced in New Kent County?
It depends. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce arson to destruction of property if the fire was not intentional.
It depends. If the fire was accidental or the evidence of intent is weak, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to a reduction to destruction of property (a misdemeanor). An experienced attorney can negotiate this.
Do I need a lawyer for an arson charge in New Kent County?
Yes. Arson is a serious felony with a mandatory minimum prison sentence. You need legal representation immediately.
Yes. Arson is a Class 4 felony with a potential 10-year prison sentence. You have the right to an attorney, and hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to building a defense against the fire-related evidence.
What court handles arson cases in New Kent County?
New Kent County General District Court handles preliminary hearings. Felony trials are in New Kent County Circuit Court.
New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle) handles the preliminary hearing. If the case is bound over, the felony trial proceeds in New Kent County Circuit Court, where you have a right to a jury trial.
How long do arson cases take in New Kent County?
It depends. A preliminary hearing occurs within 21-60 days. A felony trial in Circuit Court takes 3-9 months.
It depends. The preliminary hearing in General District Court is typically scheduled within 21-60 days of arrest. If the case goes to trial in Circuit Court, it can take 3-9 months. Virginia’s speedy trial law requires trial within 9 months if you are incarcerated.
Last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.