Fairfax Arson Lawyer Explains Virginia Arson Charges

Other Virginia Arson Statutes

In addition to the main arson statute involving a dwelling place, there are a number of other Virginia arson charges.  These include:

§18.2-79, the malicious burning or destruction of a meeting house.   If anyone is in the building during the arson, this Virginia arson charge is a Class 3 felony.  It is punished by 5-20 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both.  If no one was present, it is a Class 4 felony.  It is punished by 2-10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both.  For more information on this arson charge, click here.

§18.2-80 discusses malicious burning or destruction of any structure not covered in any of the other arson statutes.   If someone is present during the arson, this Virginia arson charge is a Class 3 felony.  It is punished by 5-20 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both.  If no one was present, it is a Class 4 felony.  It is punished by 2-10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both.

§18.2-81 discusses arson charges related to personal property.  If the property destroyed was valued at more than $200, this is a Class 4 felony.  If less than $200, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

§18.2-82 applies to an arson committed as a result of the offender intending to commit a felony.  This Virginia arson charge is a Class 4 felony.  It is punished by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

§18.2-86 prohibits maliciously setting fire to anything capable of spreading fire on land.  This Virginia arson charge is a Class 6 felony.  It is punished by 1-5 years in prison.  Alternatively, it can be punished by 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2500.

§18.2-87 prohibits, in addition to maliciously setting fire to anything capable of spreading fire on land, allowing that fire to escape the land of another.  This offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor.  It is punished by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2500, or both.

§18.2-88 prohibits carelessly damaging property by fire.  This offense is a Class 4 misdemeanor.  The maximum punishment for this charge is a fine of $250.