Speeding Ticket Lawyer Arlington County — How to Fight Your Ticket
A speeding ticket in Arlington County can escalate to a Class 1 misdemeanor reckless driving charge under Va. Code § 46.2-862 if you were going 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph. This carries up to 12 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County traffic court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Speeding and Reckless Driving Laws
In Virginia, a simple speeding ticket is a traffic infraction. However, exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or driving 85 mph or more on any road is classified as reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862. This is a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple ticket. The distinction is critical because a conviction results in a permanent criminal record, not just points on your license.
- Review your ticket and note the court date listed for Arlington County General District Court.
- Contact a speeding violation defense lawyer Arlington County immediately to discuss the specifics of your case.
- Your attorney may gather evidence, such as speedometer calibration records or witness statements.
- Appear in court with your attorney, who will present your defense or negotiate with the prosecutor.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Penalties for Speeding and Reckless Driving in Arlington
In Arlington County, a standard speeding conviction results in fines and DMV demerit points, while reckless driving is a criminal offense with severe penalties including potential jail time.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1-19 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30 – $250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Reckless Driving (20+ over or 85+ mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Reduced Charge) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Arlington County Traffic Defense Team
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the procedures and personnel at the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, who provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Our commitment to clients is reflected in our local results. In Arlington County, we have 94 documented traffic case results: 11 dismissed or not guilty verdicts, and 83 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses—a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
- Result: Reckless driving (20+ mph over) charge reduced to speeding 10-14 mph over.
- Result: Speeding 62/45 charge amended to “Fail to pay full time and attention.”
- Result: Speeding 60/35 charge reduced to 54/35 speeding.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Speeding Ticket Lawyer Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location is strategically positioned to serve clients at the Arlington County General District Court. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arlington County Speeding Tickets
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 a court appearance; court costs are approximately $62. A conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and major insurance increases, making the total multi-year financial impact much higher.
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 (a traffic infraction with no criminal record and 3 points) or simple speeding. An experienced attorney can negotiate this, and completing a driver improvement clinic before court is often useful.
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 criminal misdemeanor. Even for simple speeding, an attorney at Arlington County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines to protect your driving record and insurance rates.
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. The process from arraignment to trial typically takes 4-8 weeks. A conviction can be appealed to Circuit Court within 10 days.
If you are wondering how to fight a speeding ticket lawyer Arlington County can help, the first step is understanding the charges against you. A speeding violation defense lawyer Arlington County from our firm can evaluate your ticket, explain your options, and build a strong defense strategy case-specific to Arlington County court procedures.
For more information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website or our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria and with related legal matters such as Criminal Defense and DUI/DWI Defense in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.