Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Arlington is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
In Virginia, reckless driving is defined by statute as operating a vehicle “in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person” (Va. Code § 46.2-852). Specific actions like driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or exceeding 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, are automatically classified as reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862. This is a serious criminal offense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines reckless driving by speed.
- Arlington County General District Court Website – Official court information, forms, and contact details.
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Arlington 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 your court date is often considered favorably.
- Receive and review your summons: Your summons will list your court date at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400). Note the charge and statute cited, typically Va. Code § 46.2-862.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney: Contact an attorney familiar with Arlington County procedures. Discuss your case details, potential defenses, and the option to complete a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date.
- Prepare for your arraignment: At your first court date, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. Your attorney can engage in pre-trial negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction.
- Attend your bench trial or disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. The Commonwealth must prove the speed violation beyond a reasonable doubt.
Penalties for Reckless Driving 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. Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+ depending on the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (General – § 46.2-852) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record |
| Reckless Driving by Speed (≥20 over/≥85 mph – § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving (§ 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Fine only | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum under Virginia law; 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. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “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 for traffic offenses: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 83 charges reduced or amended, resulting in a 100% favorable outcome rate for these matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve Arlington, 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.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62. A conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and substantial insurance increases.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Arlington County?
Yes. 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) or simple speeding. An experienced attorney at Arlington County General District Court can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Arlington County, Virginia?
If charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Even for simple speeding, an attorney can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Arlington County?
Your case at Arlington County General District Court will be a bench trial. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present evidence. Arraignment to bench trial: 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Resources
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.