
Fauquier County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Fauquier 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 70 documented results in Fauquier County. Our traffic defense team provides full representation for charges heard at Fauquier County General District Court. We handle the details of your case to seek a reduction or dismissal.
In Fauquier County, driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving, a criminal offense.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addresses reckless driving by speed, making it a crime to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. Va. Code § 46.2-852 provides a general reckless driving prohibition for driving that endangers life, limb, or property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with direct experience in these statutes.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Process
Fauquier County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. The court is located at 6 Court Street in Warrenton. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your summons and charges: Examine your Virginia Uniform Summons for the specific code section (likely Va. Code § 46.2-862) and court date at Fauquier County General District Court.
- 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 date.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect any evidence such as vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, or GPS data that may challenge the speed measurement.
- Appear at Fauquier County General District Court: Attend your scheduled court date at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 with your attorney for arraignment and potential bench trial.
- Consider post-trial options if necessary: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to file an appeal for a new trial in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Fauquier County
In Fauquier 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, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | None | 3 DMV points |
| Speeding (general) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | None | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. 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 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Global advocacy. Local precision.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts; firsthand prosecutorial experience provides insight into case construction and trial strategies.
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 Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 70 documented results in Fauquier County: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 61 reduced/amended, 7 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense
Our Fairfax location is accessible to clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street) via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. We serve as a reckless driving lawyer near Warrenton and the Fauquier County area. We represent clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County General District Court.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62. A 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 Fauquier County?
Yes. In Fauquier 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) or simple speeding. An experienced attorney can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Fauquier County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Even for simple speeding, an attorney can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Fauquier County?
Your case at Fauquier County General District Court will be a bench trial. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present evidence. Arraignment to bench trial: 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Services
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer | Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer | Fauquier County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.