Fairfax Arson Lawyer Explains Virginia Arson Charges
January 8, 2022 by Jean Humbrecht
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.