Traffic Lawyer in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William 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 119 documented results in Prince William County: 39 dismissed/not guilty, 70 reduced/amended. Our traffic lawyers represent clients at Prince William County General District Court for speeding, reckless driving, and license suspension cases.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addressing excessive speed. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or exceeding 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving by speed. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines reckless driving by speed.
- Prince William County General District Court website – Court information and procedures.
Prince William County Court Process
Prince William County General District Court hears all traffic misdemeanors. The Commonwealth’s Attorney reviews each case and may consider amendments before trial. Virginia does not permit plea bargaining directly with the judge.
- Review your citation and court date: Check your ticket for the court date and location: Prince William County General District Court, 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Contact an attorney immediately: Call (888) 437-7747 to speak with a traffic lawyer. Early intervention allows time to gather evidence and prepare your defense.
- Gather evidence for your case: Collect your driving record, any witness statements, GPS data, and maintenance records for your vehicle’s speedometer.
- Attend your court hearing: Your attorney will represent you at Prince William County General District Court. Dress professionally and arrive early.
- Understand the outcome and next steps: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Traffic Violations in Prince William County
In Prince William County, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points.
| 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 points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increase |
| Speeding (20+ over limit) | Reckless Driving | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| Driving on Suspended License (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts and evidence.
Our Experience in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on providing full representation for traffic cases in Prince William County General District Court.
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
Case Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 119 documented traffic case results in Prince William County: 39 dismissed/not guilty, 70 reduced/amended, 7 other favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Traffic Lawyer Near Prince William County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Prince William County courts (9311 Lee Avenue). We represent individuals in Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Prince William County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Prince William 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. Total financial impact over 3-5 years can exceed $10,000.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Prince William County?
Yes. In Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court can negotiate effectively. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often considered favorably.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Prince William County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Prince William County?
Your reckless driving case at Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) 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 Services
- Virginia Traffic Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Fairfax County Traffic Lawyer – Serving neighboring locality.
- Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney 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.