TRUSTED ARSON DEFENSE IN NEWPORT NEWS

ARSON DEFENSE IN NEWPORT NEWS

Arson is a serious felony offense in Virginia, and therefore it is critical to understand the charges you may be facing as early as possible. Because arson cases often involve complex investigations and severe penalties, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who is prepared to challenge the evidence and protect your rights. At Goff Voltin, PLLC, we provide aggressive and strategic arson defense representation throughout Newport News and the surrounding Hampton Roads area.

Although arson allegations are often based on fire investigations and circumstantial evidence, a charge alone does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Instead, the prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Is Arson Under Virginia Law?

Under Virginia law, arson involves the malicious burning or destruction of certain structures or property. Specifically, a person may be charged if they:

• Maliciously burn, or use an explosive device or substance to destroy, in whole or in part, any protected structure, or
• Aid, counsel, or procure the burning or destruction of such property

These protected structures may include:

• Dwelling houses or manufactured homes
• Occupied hotels, hospitals, or mental health facilities
• Railroad cars, boats, vessels, or river craft in which people reside
• Occupied jails or prisons
• Churches or buildings owned or leased by churches

Because these charges are broad and fact-specific, the prosecution must carefully establish both intent and causation.

Legal Standard in Arson Cases

In addition, Virginia courts have held that to establish arson, the Commonwealth must prove that the fire was of incendiary origin and that the accused was the guilty agent in the burning. See Augustine v. Commonwealth, 220 Va. 120 (1983).

Therefore, the prosecution must not only show that a fire occurred, but also that it was intentionally set and that the defendant was responsible. As a result, expert testimony, forensic fire analysis, and investigative procedures often play a major role in these cases.

Defending Arson Charges in Newport News

Anyone can find themselves facing criminal charges, and unfortunately, arson allegations can carry especially severe consequences. For example, a conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and long-term damage to your reputation and future opportunities.

However, it is important to remember that an accusation is not the same as proof of guilt. Therefore, every arson case must be carefully examined to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.

At Goff Voltin, PLLC, we thoroughly investigate arson cases by reviewing fire marshal reports, examining forensic evidence, and evaluating witness statements. In addition, we assess whether proper investigative procedures were followed and whether alternative explanations for the fire exist.

Moreover, because arson cases often rely heavily on expert interpretation, we carefully analyze whether the evidence truly supports the conclusion that the fire was intentionally set.

To speak with one of our team members, please feel free to call us at (757) 369-2415 or fill out our contact form below.

WE OFFER CRIMINAL LAW SERVICES IN NEWPORT NEWS, HAMPTON, WILLIAMSBURG, YORKTOWN AND THE REST OF THE HAMPTON ROADS AREA.