Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Fairfax 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 1132 documented results in Fairfax County. Our traffic defense team provides full representation for charges heard at Fairfax County General District Court, where we work to protect your driving record and avoid jail time.
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or at 85 mph or more regardless of the limit.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, makes it illegal to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit. Other forms of reckless driving include improper passing, racing, and driving too fast for conditions under Va. Code § 46.2-852. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with direct experience in these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines reckless driving by speed.
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Provides court location, hours, and contact information.
Fairfax County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Fairfax County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial. Completion of a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic before trial is often considered favorably.
- Review your summons and charges. Check your court date and the specific Virginia Code section cited.
- Gather evidence and documentation. This includes your driving record, vehicle information, and any evidence that may challenge the officer’s observation.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and defense strategy.
- Prepare for your court appearance. Your attorney may advise completing a driver improvement clinic. Dress professionally and arrive early at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax.
- Attend your hearing. Your attorney will represent you, negotiate with the prosecutor, and present your case to the judge.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Fairfax County
In Fairfax 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 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, increased insurance |
| 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. Prior outcomes do not aim for a similar result in your case.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
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 clients in Fairfax County.
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
Documented Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, 54 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate for traffic cases in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for a similar result in your case.
Local Traffic Defense in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County?
Yes. In Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Fairfax County?
Your reckless driving case at Fairfax 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 Services
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – State-wide hub page.
- Fairfax City Reckless Driving Lawyer – Serving the independent city.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.