Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 being the most common for speed-related offenses. This statute makes it illegal to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. The offense is a criminal misdemeanor, not a civil infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia reckless driving statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For information about the court handling these cases, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
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.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Arlington County General District Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Consult with an attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case. An attorney can review the evidence and your driving record.
- Prepare for court: Gather evidence such as vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, or GPS data. Consider completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic.
- Attend your court date: Appear at Arlington County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will represent you before the judge.
- Review the outcome: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial. Your attorney will explain the next steps.
Reckless Driving Penalties 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 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | None | 3 DMV points |
| General Reckless (Va. Code § 46.2-852) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
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. Results may vary.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. The firm’s tagline reflects its approach: “Global advocacy. Local precision.” In Arlington County, the firm has specific experience with local court procedures and prosecutors.
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 for traffic offenses including reckless driving.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), accessible via major local highways. We serve as a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of 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 (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 | Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher 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.
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.