Reckless Driving Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or at 85 mph or greater, regardless of the limit.
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 makes driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, reckless driving per se. Other forms of reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-852 include general reckless operation that endangers life, limb, or property.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, visit the official Va. Code § 46.2-862 (Virginia General Assembly). For information about court procedures and locations, refer to the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
All Arlington County reckless driving cases are heard at the Arlington County General District Court. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining directly with the judge, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend charges before trial. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often viewed favorably.
- Review your citation and court date: Check your ticket for the exact charge (e.g., Va. Code § 46.2-862) and your scheduled court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect your driving record, vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, and any calibration certificates for your speedometer.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case specifics and defense strategy before your court appearance.
- Prepare for your court appearance: Your attorney will file necessary motions, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and prepare you for testimony if your case goes to trial.
- Attend your hearing at Arlington County General District Court: Appear at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201 on your scheduled date with your attorney to present your defense.
Reckless Driving Penalties 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 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, increased insurance rates |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Our Experience in Arlington County Traffic Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on providing clear legal guidance for traffic matters in Arlington County. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how these cases are built and defended.
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. We have achieved a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Traffic Defense Near Arlington County Courts
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 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+ 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 Resources
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer | Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria | Criminal Defense Lawyer in Arlington County | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.