Facing arson charges in Lexington? Under Va. Code § 18.2-77, arson is a Class 4 felony carrying 2–10 years in prison. An Arson Lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. We have 14 documented case results across all practice areas. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-77 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Arson in Virginia
Under Va. Code § 18.2-77, arson in the first degree is the malicious burning of a dwelling house, whether occupied or not. Second-degree arson covers burning of outbuildings, churches, meeting houses, or manufacturing facilities. Third-degree arson includes burning of any other building or structure. The statute also covers burning of personal property valued at $1,000 or more. The Commonwealth must prove willful and malicious intent beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction for arson of a dwelling carries a mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence.
External Citation Links
- Va. Code § 18.2-77 (Arson) — Official Virginia General Assembly
- Lexington General District Court — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Arson Cases in Lexington
Lexington General District Court handles preliminary hearings for arson felonies. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases. Arson cases often involve fire marshal investigations and experienced testimony.
- Step 1: Retain an Arson Lawyer Lexington immediately after arrest or investigation begins.
- Step 2: Your attorney will request all fire investigation reports and evidence from the Commonwealth.
- Step 3: File any pretrial motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or statements.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or alternative disposition.
- Step 5: Prepare for preliminary hearing in Lexington General District Court.
- Step 6: If bound over, proceed to Lexington Circuit Court for trial or further negotiation.
Penalty Table for Arson in Lexington, Virginia
In Lexington, arson of a dwelling carries 2–10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 2 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of a dwelling (Va. Code § 18.2-77) | Class 4 Felony | 2–10 years (mandatory minimum 2 years) | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; loss of firearm rights; difficulty obtaining housing/employment |
| Arson of an outbuilding or church | Class 4 Felony | 2–10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; sex offender registration if applicable |
| Arson of personal property over $1,000 | Class 6 Felony | 1–5 years | 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. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds arson cases.
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
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and founder of the firm, who personally leads complex criminal defense matters. Mr. Sris has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in Lexington
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 14 total documented case results across all practice areas in Lexington, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our Richmond location serves clients at Lexington courts (2 South Main Street). We are accessible via I-81, I-64, Route 11, and Route 60. Our Arson Lawyer Lexington is near Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University. We serve the Lexington community. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arson Charges in Lexington
What is the penalty for arson in Lexington, Virginia?
Yes, arson of a dwelling is a Class 4 felony carrying 2–10 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 2 years. Fines can reach $100,000. Cases are heard at Lexington General District Court.
Can arson charges be reduced in Lexington?
It depends. An Arson Lawyer Lexington may negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge like destruction of property if evidence of intent is weak. The Commonwealth’s Attorney has discretion in plea negotiations.
Do I need an Arson Lawyer Lexington for a first offense?
Yes. Even a first-offense arson conviction carries a mandatory minimum 2-year prison sentence and a permanent felony record. An experienced lawyer can pursue alternatives like a first offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
How does bail work for arson charges in Lexington?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. For arson felonies, secured bond is typical. Bond can be appealed to Lexington General District Court. The court considers flight risk and danger to the community.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for arson in Lexington?
Lexington General District Court handles preliminary hearings for arson felonies. Lexington Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Internal Links
- Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Henrico County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Chesterfield County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer Lexington
- Family Law Lawyer Lexington
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.