Being Charged With Arson Is Reason for Concern
If you have been charged with Arson in Richmond, then you know that your future is in jeopardy. The state of Virginia takes the crime of arson seriously; fires cause both property damage and personal injury. If convicted, and if the property was occupied during the fire, defendants face life-changing consequences.
In all situations, individuals charged with arson should engage an experienced and knowledgeable Richmond arson defense attorney.
The legal process is complicated, and how each step is handled can have a very real impact on the life of the accused.
For many in Richmond and the surrounding area, Cody Villalon, a Richmond arson defense lawyer, is their first phone call in times of trouble. His reputation for providing compassionate and knowledgeable service is highly regarded. Because he appreciates the urgency of these charges, he is always available to meet with his clients immediately. Reach out to him at 804-316-0765 and schedule a free consultation.
Cody Villalon Is a Smart Choice
Why You Should Engage Him as Your Lawyer for Arson Charges
As you grapple with how to move forward after being charged with arson, it will likely become clear that engaging the right attorney for your specific situation is a major decision. The service this professional provides can make a tangible difference to the outcome of your case.
In Richmond and the surrounding areas, Cody Villalon is a well-known criminal defense attorney with a history of handling arson cases.
First, his experience is comprehensive; he knows Virginia arson law and can address all related situations. Whether you are charged with setting fire to personal property valued at less than $1,000 or an occupied dwelling, he knows what to do.
Additionally, because of his long-standing presence in the Richmond legal community, he has had the opportunity to build strong working relationships. He has a storied history with local prosecutors and judges; he knows their tendencies and what to expect — two very valuable things when building a defense.
Finally, while experience and knowledge are both critical, approach also matters. You are in a precarious position; your future and possibly your freedom are at stake. Cody Villalon never loses sight of the fact that his role is more than just building cases; he represents people, each with a very specific story. In every situation he takes time to understand his client’s perspective and makes it a point to be available for questions and concerns. He provides compassionate, non-judgmental legal representation, always looking to minimize the impact of the charges on his clients’ lives.
The combination of these attributes has resulted in Cody’s outstanding reputation. The greatest testament to the service he provides comes directly from those he has represented. He is grateful they took the time to share their experience and encourages you to read their testimonials.
What Cody Villalon Will Do for You
Providing Full-Service Legal Representation
Working with someone who will handle the entirety of your case is important; you need assistance throughout the entire course of your legal journey. While many firms offer this service, they use multiple professionals, all of whom will “touch” your case at one point or another.
Cody Villalon prides himself on providing representation from beginning to end — as a sole practitioner, he will personally handle every aspect of your case. It will never be relegated to a paralegal or less experienced attorney. The continuity of service is important because it enables him to always know what is happening. You can be confident that the service you are receiving is being provided by the professional you chose.
As your arson defense attorney, Cody will meet with you at no cost, to learn about your situation and to ensure you feel comfortable working with him. Criminal representation is personal, and it is important. Once you engage his services he will:
- Investigate the circumstances of your arrest
- Identify violations of your rights
- Complete and file all legal paperwork
- Communicate often, answering questions and addressing your concerns while keeping you up to date on his progress with your case
- Negotiate with the prosecution
- Build your defense
- Prepare you for court and represent you there
- Appeal your case if necessary.
Cody is well-aware of the impact of just being charged with arson. It affects both you and your family. As such, he works hard to protect your privacy; his discretion is incredibly valuable.
Cody Villalon Addresses Your Arson-Related Concerns
Providing Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
While every individual charged with arson and their case are unique, they all seem to have one thing in common: a lot of questions. Below, Cody has shared some of the questions asked most often, along with his responses.
Are there different levels of arson charges?
Yes, there are. In Virginia, arson is categorized in different categories depending on the type of structure that is burned. The penalties associated with these can vary. Your arson defense lawyer can review your charges and explain them to you.
What are the penalties if I am convicted?
Penalties vary according to the seriousness of the crime. For example, those convicted of arson of personal property valued at less than $1,000 (the most minor arson charge) will face Class 1 misdemeanor charges punishable by $2,500 in fines and a maximum of 12 months in jail. Conversely, those convicted of arson of an occupied meeting house (a Class 3 felony) can face 5-20 years in prison and fines not to exceed $100,000. If someone dies during the fire, murder charges can be levied. In all cases, engaging an arson defense attorney is very important.
Is arson a criminal charge or a civil charge?
This answer is a bit complex. Arson itself is a criminal charge. However, civil charges may be filed separately by the owner of the property that was burned. Criminal charges can result in jail time and fines, while civil charges can result in the assessment of financial damages. It is important to recognize that just because someone is found not guilty of arson during their criminal trial, this does not mean they cannot be sued, and lose, in civil court. Talk to your arson lawyer about how to handle all of the charges against you.
What does intent mean with regard to arson cases?
In order to be convicted of arson, the defendant must have purposefully set the fire. Proving this can be challenging. Your arson defense attorney will work to refute any expert witnesses and call their own to disprove intent. Without intent you cannot be convicted.
Reach out to Cody Villalon with questions regarding your personal situation. He is always available to speak with potential clients.
Cody Villalon, Arson Defense Attorney, Is Ready to Go to Work For You
Building a Solid Defense
As your arson lawyer, Cody places a high priority on building a strong defense for you. What he does can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
While each individual’s situation is unique, common defense themes often come into play. Among those that Cody has leveraged in the past are:
- Accidental fire
- Providing an alibi
- Lack of intent
- Lack of evidence
- False accusations.
Of course, the specifics regarding your case will determine his strategy.
The fact that Cody is a strong negotiator in addition to a skilled litigator is an asset.
His initial goal is to settle your case out of court through negotiations with the prosecutor. That said, he will never accept or reject a deal without your explicit consent. He is your representative, but you have the final say and ultimate control.
Contact Us Today
If you are facing arson charges, you need representation immediately. You want to provide him as much time as possible to investigate your situation and strategize on your behalf. Reach out to him today at 804.316.0765 and schedule a free consultation. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has handled countless arson cases, he knows the importance of beginning work right away.