Arson Lawyer Loudoun County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Arson is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-77, carrying up to life imprisonment. If you face an arson charge in Loudoun County, you need an experienced arson lawyer Loudoun County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 42 documented results in Loudoun County courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Arson Law and Penalties
In Virginia, arson is defined as the willful and malicious burning of a dwelling house or other structure. The specific statute is Va. Code § 18.2-77. The severity of the charge depends on the type of property burned and whether anyone was endangered. Burning a dwelling house is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Burning other structures is a Class 4 felony, carrying 2 to 10 years. If the fire was set at night, or if it endangered life, penalties increase. An experienced arson charge defense lawyer Loudoun County can analyze the evidence against you, which often involves complex forensic fire investigation reports from the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office.
In Loudoun County, an arson conviction can result in decades in prison, massive fines, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and gun rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson of Dwelling House | Class 3 Felony | 5-20 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, restitution, loss of firearm rights |
| Arson of Other Structure | Class 4 Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, restitution, loss of firearm rights |
| Attempted Arson | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Defending Arson Charges in Loudoun County Courts
Arson cases are prosecuted aggressively by the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The prosecution must prove you acted willfully and maliciously. A skilled fire-related criminal charge lawyer Loudoun County will challenge the state’s case by examining the origin and cause investigation, your alleged motive, and any witness statements. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, accidental fire, or insufficient evidence. In Loudoun County General District Court, felony arson charges begin with a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Consultation: Contact an arson lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including fire marshal reports, 911 calls, and witness interviews.
- Preliminary Hearing: In Loudoun County GDC, your lawyer can cross-examine the state’s witnesses to test the strength of their case.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If the case is certified, your defense team will file motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for a potential jury trial.
- Resolution: Options may include dismissal, reduction of charges, or trial. The goal is always the best possible outcome.
Our Experience with Loudoun County Criminal Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. In Loudoun County, we have a documented record of 42 case results, with 35 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 5 reduced or amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, Bryan Block, whose 15 years of law enforcement experience provide unique insight into how these cases are built. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, maintains a strategic role in complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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
Local Representation for Loudoun County Residents
Our Ashburn location serves clients throughout Loudoun County. We are familiar with the procedures at the Loudoun County General District Court (18 East Market Street, Leesburg) and the Loudoun County Circuit Court. We serve communities including Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arson Charges in Loudoun County
What is the penalty for arson in Virginia?
It depends on the property. Arson of a dwelling house is a Class 3 felony with 5 to 20 years in prison. Arson of another structure is a Class 4 felony with 2 to 10 years. Fines can reach $100,000.
Can an arson charge be reduced?
Yes. An experienced arson charge defense lawyer Loudoun County can often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce a felony arson charge to a lesser offense like unlawful burning or destruction of property, which carry lower penalties.
What defenses are there to arson?
Common defenses include lack of intent (accidental fire), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence linking you to the fire, or challenging the forensic conclusion that the fire was intentionally set. A fire-related criminal charge lawyer Loudoun County will investigate all angles.
Do I need a lawyer for an arson charge?
Absolutely. Arson is a serious felony with life-altering consequences. The prosecution uses experts and complex evidence. You need a skilled arson lawyer Loudoun County to protect your rights and build a defense from the start.
Where are arson cases heard in Loudoun County?
Felony arson charges start with a preliminary hearing at the Loudoun County General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is sent to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial.
Contact an Arson Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is facing an arson investigation or charge in Loudoun County, time is critical. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We provide 24/7 phone availability and have an office in Ashburn for Loudoun County clients. Call us at (888) 437-7747 or locally at 571-279-0110.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense hub page, our page on DUI defense in Loudoun County, and the profile of Bryan Block.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.