Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Arlington County reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County. Our Arlington traffic lawyers defend you at Arlington County General District Court, where we work to reduce charges and protect your driving record. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a strong defense strategy.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addresses reckless driving by speed, making it illegal to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Va. Code § 46.2-852 provides a general reckless driving prohibition for driving that endangers life, limb, or property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses deep knowledge of these statutes to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. Reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862 is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, not a traffic ticket — it creates a permanent criminal record if convicted. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your summons and charges: Examine your Virginia Uniform Summons for the specific code section (likely Va. Code § 46.2-862) and your court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect your driving record, any calibration certificates for your speedometer, witness statements, and GPS data if available.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case strategy before your court appearance.
- Appear at Arlington County General District Court: Attend your scheduled court date at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. Your attorney will represent you before the judge.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points. Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+ depending on offense and speed; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Speeding (General) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington Traffic Case?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Arlington County residents facing traffic charges.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Arlington County Traffic Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 83 charges reduced or amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Arlington County traffic matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Arlington County Traffic Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Arlington County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862, not a traffic ticket. It carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points. Cases are heard at Arlington County General District Court.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+ depending on offense and speed; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62; appeal bond to Circuit Court if convicted in GDC. A reckless driving conviction also results in 6 DMV demerit points, potential license suspension, and substantial insurance increases.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Arlington County?
Yes. In Arlington County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend reckless driving to improper driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869 — traffic infraction, no criminal record, 3 points instead of 6) or simple speeding. An experienced attorney at Arlington County General District Court can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Arlington County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Arlington County (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. Even for simple speeding, an attorney at Arlington County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Arlington County?
Your reckless driving case at Arlington County General District Court will be a bench trial before a General District Court judge. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present evidence including speedometer calibration certificates, GPS data, and witness testimony.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.