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. Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia. Our Arlington location provides full representation for traffic cases at Arlington County General District Court.
Statutory Definition of Reckless Driving in Arlington County
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 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, uses this statutory knowledge to build strong defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal References
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Defines reckless driving by speed.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information, forms, and procedures.
Local Court Process in Arlington County
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. 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.
- Receive your summons with a court date for Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review evidence and defenses.
- Prepare for court by gathering documents and considering a driver improvement clinic.
- Attend your court date at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Your attorney will represent you before the judge and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Reckless Driving 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, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | None | 3 DMV points, no criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | None | 3-6 DMV points |
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. Results may vary.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have achieved 4,739+ favorable case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington County traffic defense is led by attorneys with specific knowledge of Arlington County General District Court procedures.
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 — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Arlington County Representation
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major local highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and serve the Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington communities.
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 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 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
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer – Serving neighboring Alexandria City.
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in same locality.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
- Arlington Location Page – Details about our Arlington office.
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 current guidance.