Virginia Beach Arson Attorney

Arson is a serious criminal offense in the state of Virginia and, in some cases, can even be classified as a Class 1 felony—a category that includes capital murder and rape. If you have been charged with arson, it is in your best interest to seek help from a Virginia Beach arson attorney. With an experienced attorney on your side, your charges may be reduced or dropped completely.

If you’re like most people, you probably know that the term “arson” refers to the intentional setting of fires. What you may not know, however, is just how many different acts are considered arson crimes in the eyes of the law. Indeed, even negligent acts, such as tossing a match or cigarette into a brush, can lead to arson charges being filed against you.

The penalties for arson vary based on the nature of the offense. If a person is harmed or killed, the offense may be classified as first degree arson, while cases involving only property damage are typically considered second degree arson.

In cases where a home was intentionally burned while it was occupied, you can be charged with a Class 1 felony. The penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $100,000, life imprisonment, and even death. Although you’ll face a less severe Class 4 felony charge if the home was unoccupied at the time of the act, a conviction could lead to a 10-year prison sentence, as well as a $100,000 fine.

Other examples of felony acts of arson include setting fire to an occupied or unoccupied public building, setting fire to any building or structure, burning or destroying personal property (including insurance fraud), and threatening to commit arson on any building or structure. The penalties for these crimes can include a jail sentence of one to twenty years, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $100,000. Juveniles, however, may be charged less severely for such crimes.

Your charges may be reduced to misdemeanor arson if the value of the property that was damaged is $200 or less. Negligent acts, such as damaging property due to carelessness, are also considered misdemeanor offenses. The penalties for these crimes can include a one-year jail sentence, and up to a $2,500 fine.

If you were recently charged with felony or misdemeanor arson, it is important to obtain legal counsel immediately. As a member of both the National Association of Criminal Defense and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mr. Tillotson has the necessary trial experience and legal knowledge to fight your arson charges. Put more than a decade of legal experience to work for you. Contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your arson case.