Reckless Driving Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20+ mph over the posted limit or 85+ mph regardless of the limit, and it requires a mandatory court appearance at Arlington County General District Court.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal offense, not a simple traffic violation. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, specifically addresses reckless driving by speed, making 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. Other forms of reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-852 include general reckless operation that endangers life, limb, or property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, bringing extensive courtroom experience to traffic defense cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, consult the official state code: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and filing information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Procedures
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. The court is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201. 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 citation and note your court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney to evaluate your case and evidence.
- Gather supporting documentation such as vehicle maintenance records or witness statements.
- Appear at court on your scheduled date with legal representation.
- Present your defense or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for resolution.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Traffic Violations in Arlington County
In Arlington County, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (20+ over/85+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| General Reckless Driving | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Speeding (1-9 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$100+ | 3 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Speeding (10-19 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | None | $100-$250+ | 4 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Criminal record, vehicle impoundment |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Arlington County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to traffic defense cases. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Arlington County specifically, we have secured 94 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended. Our tagline reflects our approach: “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: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results demonstrate our effective representation at Arlington County General District Court for traffic and reckless driving cases.
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 surrounding communities. We represent clients in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We offer 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).
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 | Arlington Location Information
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.