In Arlington County, arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Arson in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-77 as the willful and malicious burning or damaging of a dwelling house, building, or structure. The statute covers both occupied and unoccupied structures. A conviction requires proof that you intentionally set the fire. Accidental fires do not meet the legal standard for arson. The prosecution must show criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. This charge is a Class 4 felony under Virginia law.
For the full statutory language, see Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by Arlington County General District Court (official court website).
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for arson involving occupied structures. The court at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd handles preliminary hearings for felony arson cases. Your first court appearance is critical — the magistrate sets bond based on flight risk and public safety concerns.
- Step 1: Contact a lawyer immediately after arrest. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Step 2: Your attorney will request a bond hearing at Arlington County General District Court.
- Step 3: The court will schedule a preliminary hearing within 21-60 days of arrest.
- Step 4: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence if the investigation was flawed.
- Step 5: If bound over to Circuit Court, your attorney will prepare for trial or negotiate a plea.
- Step 6: Sentencing occurs after conviction — your attorney will present mitigating evidence.
In Arlington 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 (occupied) | Class 4 felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; loss of gun rights; housing restrictions |
| Arson of unoccupied structure | Class 4 felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; loss of gun rights |
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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
Mr. Sris (Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney) also handles complex arson cases. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Arlington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), accessible via I-395 and Route 50.
Arson lawyer near Arlington, VA — serving Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
What is the penalty for arson in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Arson under Va. Code § 18.2-77 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000. Cases are heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Can arson charges be expunged in Arlington 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 Arlington County Circuit Court.
How does bail work for arson charges in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Secured bond is typical for arson felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court. Personal recognizance is rare for arson.
Do I need an arson charge defense lawyer Arlington County?
Yes. Arson charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and carry 2-10 years in prison. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for arson in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles preliminary hearings for arson felonies. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.