Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Arlington County reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862 carrying up to 12 months in jail; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County. Our attorneys provide full representation for traffic violations heard at Arlington County General District Court. You need a strong defense to protect your driving privileges and avoid a permanent criminal record.
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 being the most common for speed-based offenses. This statute makes driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or driving 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, reckless driving per se. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses detailed knowledge of these laws to build case-specific defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s traffic laws, refer to the official state code: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process
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 trial is often considered favorably.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Consult with an attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a case review. An attorney can assess evidence and potential defenses.
- Prepare for court: Gather evidence: vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, and consider completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic.
- Attend your hearing: Appear at Arlington County General District Court. Your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before trial.
- Present your case: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial where the judge decides guilt or innocence.
Penalties for Traffic Offenses 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 (≥20 over/≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| General Reckless Driving | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent 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 |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
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.
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 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. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense in Arlington
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major local roadways. We serve as a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding neighborhoods 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.
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.
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 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.
Related Legal Services
For more information on reckless driving defense across Virginia, see our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. If you are facing charges in a neighboring jurisdiction, our Alexandria reckless driving lawyer can assist. In Arlington County, we also handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.