Jail exposure
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries a statutory maximum of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
VA · MD · DC · NJ · NY — Practicing since 1997
(888) 437-7747
Fairfax, Virginia — Traffic & Criminal Defense
A traffic charge in Fairfax is a criminal charge.
Reckless driving, speeding, DUI, and driving on a suspended license are prosecuted as crimes in Virginia — not fines you mail in. We concentrate in traffic and criminal defense and appear in the Fairfax County courts.
Former prosecutor · Owner
Former VA State Trooper · Of Counsel
Admitted in Virginia
Mr. Sris
Owner & Founder
◆Former Prosecutor◆Former VA State Trooper — Of Counsel◆Practicing since 1997◆Fairfax County Courts◆VA · MD · DC · NJ · NY
1997
Founded
Continuous multi-jurisdictional practice under one attorney-owner.
120+
Years combined
Mr. Sris and the firm's Of Counsel attorneys bring an extensive combined experience of 120-plus years.
4,739+
Case results
Representative results across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case turns on its own facts.
§ 01 — What you're facing
In Virginia, a moving violation can be a criminal charge.
Virginia treats many driving offenses far more seriously than neighboring states. Reckless driving under Va. Code §§ 46.2-852 and 46.2-862 is a Class 1 misdemeanor — the same classification as many crimes — not a simple infraction. A conviction can carry jail exposure, a fine, license suspension, and a permanent record that surfaces on a background check.
Many Fairfax charges come off the county's high-volume corridors — the I-495 Capital Beltway, I-66, Route 50, and the Fairfax County Parkway — where posted-limit speeds can tip a citation into reckless-driving territory.
§ 02 — Charges we defend
We take Fairfax traffic charges seriously.
§ 46.2-852 · 862
Reckless driving
General reckless driving and reckless driving by speed.
§ 46.2-862
Speeding
From standard infractions to speeds that cross into reckless territory.
§ 18.2-266
DUI / DWI
Driving under the influence — a Class 1 misdemeanor on a first offense.
§ 46.2-301
Suspended license
A criminal charge that can add further suspension time.
§ 46.2-868.1
Aggressive driving
Charged alongside or instead of reckless driving.
§ 46.2-894
Hit and run
Leaving the scene of an accident.
Commercial
CDL violations
Where a conviction can affect your livelihood.
Non-resident
Out-of-state drivers
Cited while traveling through Northern Virginia.
If your charge is not listed, call (888) 437-7747 and describe your summons — we practice broadly across Virginia traffic and misdemeanor matters.
Fairfax, Virginia
§ 03 — Meet the founder
Mr. Sris
Owner & Founder · Former Prosecutor
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor. He founded the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and has practiced continuously ever since. He is admitted in five U.S. jurisdictions — Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
In 2019, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), which addressed Va. Code § 20-107.3(g) — Virginia's equitable distribution statute.
§ 04 — Our attorneys
We aim to assign each matter to a named attorney.
Mr. Sris
Owner & Founder
Former prosecutor
Bryan Block
Of Counsel
Former Virginia State Trooper
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel
Former MD Assistant State's Attorney
§ 05 — Virginia traffic law
The statute on your summons decides what's at stake.
§ 46.2-862
Reckless driving by speed
You can be charged for driving 20 mph or more above the posted limit, or at 85 mph or more regardless of the limit. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§ 46.2-852
General reckless driving
Driving that endangers life, limb, or property can support the charge even without a specific speed reading.
§ 18.2-266
Driving under the influence
A first offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with escalating penalties for elevated BAC levels and prior offenses.
§ 46.2-301
Driving on a suspended license
A criminal charge that can add further suspension time on top of any penalty.
§ 06 — What a conviction costs
The penalty rarely stops at the fine.
License suspension
Reckless driving and certain offenses allow the court to suspend your Virginia driving privileges.
DMV demerit points
Virginia DMV points remain on your record for years and can trigger further action.
Insurance consequences
Carriers frequently raise premiums after a serious moving violation.
A permanent record
Misdemeanor traffic convictions do not simply disappear.
CDL & clearance impact
For commercial drivers and clearance holders, the stakes are higher still.
Penalties depend on the facts, your record, and the court. A consultation is the right place to understand your specific exposure.
§ 07 — The Fairfax court process
How a Fairfax case moves.
Most Fairfax traffic matters begin in the Fairfax County General District Court; serious charges and appeals may move to the Circuit Court.
1
The summons
Lists the charge, the statute, and your court date.
2
First appearance
For many misdemeanors, counsel can appear on your behalf.
3
Discovery
We request and review the prosecution's evidence.
4
Resolution or trial
A case may resolve through negotiation, reduction, or a contested hearing before the judge.
Missing a Virginia court date can lead to a separate failure-to-appear charge and a possible bench warrant — act well before your date. Call (888) 437-7747 as soon as you receive a summons.
§ 08 — Questions clients ask first
Straight answers.
Is reckless driving really a criminal offense in Virginia?+
Yes. Under Va. Code §§ 46.2-852 and 46.2-862 it is a Class 1 misdemeanor — a criminal charge, not a simple infraction — and a conviction can appear on your record.
Do I have to appear in court myself?+
For many Fairfax misdemeanor traffic matters, counsel can appear on your behalf. Whether you must attend depends on the charge and the court, which we can review with you.
How fast is "reckless driving by speed"?+
20 mph or more over the posted limit, or 85 mph or more, under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
Can I reach the intake line outside business hours?+
Yes. Our intake line at (888) 437-7747 is available 24/7. Attorney consultations are then scheduled by appointment with the counsel whose bar admission and case experience fit your matter.
Do prior case results guarantee a similar outcome?+
No. Past matters are examples only and are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding your case. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on factors unique to it.
§ 09 — Before your court date
Facing a charge in Fairfax? Let's talk.
Charged with reckless driving, DUI, or another traffic or criminal offense? Contact the firm to review your summons and talk through your options.
(888) 437-7747 Toll-free · 24/7 phone intake