Arson Lawyer Hanover County — Defending Against Serious Fire-Related Criminal Charges
An arson charge in Hanover County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-77, carrying 5 years to life in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for this complex fire-related criminal charge. Our arson lawyer Hanover County team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, has documented results in Virginia courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover 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 felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison. Burning other structures is addressed under Va. Code § 18.2-78. The severity hinges on proving malicious intent, which the Commonwealth must establish beyond a reasonable doubt. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how to challenge the evidence and intent required for a conviction.
In Hanover County, an arson charge is a felony that can result in a prison sentence of 5 years to life, along with substantial fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson (Dwelling) | Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding housing/employment, restitution |
| Arson (Other Structure) | Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same as above, potential federal charges if interstate commerce involved |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach for Arson Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex cases like arson. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its case. We have achieved 4,739+ favorable outcomes firm-wide. For an arson charge defense lawyer Hanover County residents can trust, we meticulously analyze fire origin reports, witness statements, and digital evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory of intent.
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 and Local Insight
Our firm has 1 documented criminal case result in Hanover County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. We also use the experience of Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly valuable for cases involving complex evidence or financial motives.
- Initial Consultation: Contact us immediately at (888) 437-7747. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present.
- Investigation Review: We obtain and scrutinize all fire marshal reports, insurance records, and witness interviews.
- Intent Challenge: We develop a defense strategy focusing on lack of malicious intent, accident, or insufficient evidence.
- Court Proceedings: We represent you at all hearings in Hanover County General District Court (for preliminary matters) and Circuit Court (for felony trial).
- Resolution: We work toward the best possible outcome, which may involve motion to suppress evidence, plea negotiations, or trial.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County, including Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 301. As an arson lawyer Hanover County residents consult for serious fire-related criminal charges, we offer 24/7 availability.
Arson Defense FAQs in Hanover County
What is the penalty for arson in Hanover County, Virginia?
Arson of a dwelling is a felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison and a fine up to $100,000 under Va. Code § 18.2-77. Arson of other structures carries 2 to 10 years.
Can I be charged with arson if no one was hurt?
Yes. Virginia arson law focuses on the malicious burning of property, not injuries. The severity of the charge depends on the type of property burned (e.g., dwelling vs. shed).
What defenses are available against an arson charge?
Common defenses include lack of malicious intent (the fire was an accident), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence linking you to the fire, or challenging the fire investigation’s methodology and conclusions.
Why do I need a lawyer for an arson investigation?
Arson investigations are complex and begin long before an arrest. A lawyer can protect your rights during questioning, ensure proper evidence collection procedures were followed, and begin building your defense immediately.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for arson?
Do not speak to fire marshals, police, or insurance investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Call us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like DUI charges in Hanover County and serve neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026.