Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Arlington County is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addressing excessive speed: driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. The statute establishes this as reckless driving per se, meaning the speed alone constitutes the offense without additional dangerous behavior. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses detailed knowledge of these statutes to build defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County 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). The Arlington County General District Court, where these cases are heard, provides procedural information at the Virginia Courts website.
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
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 with a court date for Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
- Gather evidence such as speedometer calibration records or witness statements.
- Appear at the courthouse (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) for your bench trial.
- If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial.
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.
| 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. The penalties listed are maximums established by Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense cases. With 4,739+ firm-wide case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, our approach is guided by the principle of global advocacy with local precision. Our Arlington County traffic defense is led by attorneys with specific experience in Virginia traffic courts.
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 matters: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases. These results involve representation at Arlington County General District Court for charges including reckless driving by speed.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). As a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County, we represent clients from Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 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. Arraignment to bench trial in GDC: 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria reckless driving lawyer. If you need assistance with other matters, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyer or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyer. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.