Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or at 85 mph or more on any highway.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal offense, not a simple traffic ticket. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, states that any person who drives a vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or in excess of eighty-five miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit is guilty of reckless driving.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official state statute: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly).
For court-specific procedures and information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Arlington County General District Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Consult with an attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your reckless driving charge under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
- Prepare your defense: Gather evidence such as speedometer calibration certificates, GPS data, and witness statements for your court date.
- Attend your court hearing: Appear at Arlington County General District Court for your bench trial. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Consider appeal options: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal de novo to the Circuit Court.
Penalties for Reckless Driving 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.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (≥85 mph or 20+ over) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increase |
| Improper Driving (reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
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.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Arlington County Traffic Case?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a track record of 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Our Arlington County traffic defense is led by Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. Her prosecutorial background provides direct insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
Global advocacy. Local precision.
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 Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Serving Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major local highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse and serve the communities of Arlington, 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+; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62. A 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. 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) 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 charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Even for simple speeding, an attorney can often negotiate reduced points and fines at Arlington County General District Court.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Arlington County?
Your case at Arlington County General District Court will be a bench trial. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present evidence. Arraignment to bench trial: 4-8 weeks; GDC conviction can be appealed to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Hub
Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria, VA
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County | DUI/DWI Lawyer in Arlington County
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. 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.