Arson Lawyer Henrico County — Defending Against Serious Fire-Related Criminal Charges
An arson charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-77, carrying severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of fire-related criminal charges. Our arson lawyer Henrico County team has documented results in the Henrico County General District and Circuit Courts. We offer 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Arson Law and Penalties
Arson is defined in Virginia as the willful and malicious burning of a dwelling house or other structure. The specific statute, Va. Code § 18.2-77, classifies the burning of a dwelling house as a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Burning other structures is a Class 4 felony under § 18.2-78, with 2 to 10 years imprisonment. The severity hinges on proving malicious intent, which is a key point of defense. An experienced arson lawyer Henrico County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on this critical element.
Local Court Process for an Arson Charge in Henrico
An arson charge defense lawyer Henrico County must handle a specific local process. Arson cases typically begin with an investigation by the Henrico County Division of Fire or police. Felony charges are initiated by a direct indictment or after a preliminary hearing in the Henrico County General District Court at 4301 East Parham Road. The case then proceeds to the Henrico County Circuit Court for trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate or judge. Bond for an arson charge is often high or denied due to the perceived danger.
- Preliminary Hearing (if applicable): In Henrico County General District Court, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that you committed the felony.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea in Henrico County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including fire investigation reports, and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through negotiation, potentially to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows Virginia’s felony sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for an Arson Charge
In Henrico County, an arson conviction carries severe, life-altering penalties including lengthy prison terms and permanent felony status.
| Offense (Va. Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of Dwelling House (§ 18.2-77) | Class 3 Felony | 5 – 20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding housing/employment, loss of firearm rights. |
| Arson of Other Structure (§ 18.2-78) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same as above; restitution for property damage. |
| Burning Personal Property (§ 18.2-83) | Class 4 Felony (if value $1000+) | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Restitution required. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Complex Criminal Defense
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-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that an arson accusation requires a defense that meticulously examines forensic evidence, witness statements, and motive. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a unique perspective on how the state 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 Henrico County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients in Henrico County courts. For example, we have secured dismissals for charges such as reckless driving in excess of 80 mph and passing a school bus in Henrico General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases like arson. His background in accounting and information systems offers a distinct advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment.
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County courts on East Parham Road, accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We provide legal support to residents in Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, and surrounding communities. As a dedicated arson lawyer Henrico County resource, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arson Charges in Henrico County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228). 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico County, Virginia?
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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 8 documented results: 7 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate)
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer for an arson charge in Henrico County?
Yes. An arson charge is a serious felony with mandatory prison time upon conviction. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A skilled fire-related criminal charge lawyer Henrico County is essential to challenge the evidence of intent and causation, protect your rights during investigation, and negotiate or fight for the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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. Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228) is the GDC location.
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Chesterfield County and Hanover County. If you are facing other charges in Henrico, learn about our services for DUI defense or reckless driving.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.