Fairfax 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 driving 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 to drive 85 miles per hour or more on any highway. 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 | 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
Fairfax 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.
- Review your summons and understand the charge. Your summons will list the specific Virginia code section you are charged under, such as Va. Code § 46.2-862 for reckless driving by speed.
- Gather evidence and documentation. Collect your driving record, any calibration certificates for your speedometer, GPS data, witness statements, and documentation of any driver improvement courses you have completed.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney. Contact an attorney familiar with Fairfax County General District Court procedures to discuss defense strategies and potential outcomes for your specific case.
- Appear at your scheduled court date. You must appear at Fairfax County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will represent you before the judge and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Penalties for Traffic Offenses 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. Prepayable traffic fines range from $30 to $250+.
| 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 |
| Speeding (General) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30 – $250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to traffic defense in Fairfax County. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious traffic charges.
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
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 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.
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1,132 documented results for traffic cases in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed or found not guilty, 861 reduced or amended to lesser charges, and 54 other favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Traffic Defense in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is minutes from the Fairfax County General District Court, accessible via major highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse and serve the 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.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance specific to your situation.