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 attorneys provide full representation for traffic offenses heard at Arlington County General District Court. You need a strong defense to protect your driving privileges and avoid a permanent criminal record.
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 Statute
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. Other forms of reckless driving include passing a stopped school bus, 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 statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s traffic laws, visit the official Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Arlington County General District Court website provides information on court procedures, locations, and hours.
Arlington County Court Process
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.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Note the date and time.
- Consult with an attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation. An attorney can review your case details and the evidence against you.
- Gather evidence: Collect any evidence that may help your defense, such as vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, or GPS data.
- Appear in court: You or your attorney must appear at Arlington County General District Court on your scheduled date. The case will be a bench trial before a judge.
- Present your defense: Your attorney will present your defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a possible reduction.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Arlington County
In Arlington County, reckless driving carries penalties of 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 (≥20 over/≥85 mph) | 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 the maximum under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Filing Fees & Bonds: 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.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Our approach: 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 (100% favorable outcome rate for these cases). These results involve representation at Arlington County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense in Arlington
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County courts, accessible via major local highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and serve the Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington communities.
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
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. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often considered favorably.
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 (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) 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 Hub | Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria | Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile | Arlington Law Office Location
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.