In Prince William County, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months in jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced. An Arson Lawyer Prince William County can help you fight these serious charges.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Prince William County
Virginia law classifies criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Misdemeanors range from Class 1 (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to Class 4 (up to 30 days, $250 fine). Felonies range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County prosecutes all criminal cases at the Prince William County General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Arson Charges Under Virginia Law
Arson in Virginia is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-77 through § 18.2-80. Arson of an occupied dwelling is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison. Arson of an unoccupied structure is a Class 5 felony (1-10 years). Arson with intent to defraud an insurer is a Class 6 felony (1-5 years). These charges require specific intent and proof of willful burning.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the Prince William County General District Court (official court website).
Insider Knowledge: How Prince William County Courts Handle Arson Cases
Prince William County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for felony arson charges. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office in Prince William County takes fire-related crimes seriously due to the county’s mix of suburban and rural areas.
- Step 1: Initial appearance before the magistrate at the Prince William County courthouse within 72 hours of arrest.
- Step 2: Preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause for felony arson charges.
- Step 3: Indictment by the Prince William County grand jury if the case proceeds to Circuit Court.
- Step 4: Discovery phase where fire investigation reports and witness statements are exchanged.
- Step 5: Pre-trial motions challenging evidence, including fire origin and cause determinations.
- Step 6: Trial in Prince William County Circuit Court if no plea agreement is reached.
In Prince William County, arson charges carry severe penalties ranging from 1-10 years in prison for occupied structures to 1-5 years for unoccupied structures.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of Occupied Dwelling (§ 18.2-77) | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record, housing restrictions |
| Arson of Unoccupied Structure (§ 18.2-78) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Permanent criminal record |
| Arson with Intent to Defraud (§ 18.2-80) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | License suspension possible | Insurance fraud consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Prince William County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his ability to effect real change in Virginia law. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
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 in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 141 documented results in Prince William County: 118 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended, 1 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We are accessible via I-66 and Route 28.
Looking for an arson charge defense lawyer Prince William County or a fire-related criminal charge lawyer Prince William County? We serve Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57) and petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96). Cases are heard at Prince William County General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Prince William County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Our firm has 141 documented results in Prince William County. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. See also our Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer and Prince William County DUI lawyer pages.