Reckless Driving Lawyer in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit or at 85 mph or more regardless of the limit.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal offense, not a simple traffic ticket. The primary statute is Va. Code § 46.2-862, which 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 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 cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Colonial Heights General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the reckless driving statute, see: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly).
For information about the court handling your case, visit: Colonial Heights General District Court website.
Colonial Heights Court Process
Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights General District Court, 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.
- 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.
- Gather evidence: Collect any evidence such as GPS data, witness statements, or speedometer calibration certificates.
- Appear in court: Attend your bench trial at Colonial Heights General District Court. Your attorney will present your defense.
- Consider appeal options: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal de novo to the Circuit Court.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Colonial Heights
In Colonial Heights, 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 (≥85 mph or 20+ over) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | No suspension | 3 DMV points |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | Possible suspension for excessive points | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
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 tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Colonial Heights
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Colonial Heights: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results are specific to Colonial Heights cases.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location is accessible from Colonial Heights courts (550 Boulevard) via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 144 (Temple Avenue), and Route 36. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Colonial Heights and serve the Colonial Heights area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights?
Yes. In Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Colonial Heights (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 Colonial Heights General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Colonial Heights?
Your reckless driving case at Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834) 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
Henrico County Reckless Driving Lawyer | Chesterfield County Reckless Driving Lawyer
Colonial Heights Criminal Defense Lawyer | Colonial Heights DUI/DWI Lawyer
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.