Reckless Driving Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, including Va. Code § 46.2-862 (reckless by speed) and § 46.2-852 (general reckless). Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or exceeding 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving per se. This is distinct from a simple speeding infraction and is treated as a criminal misdemeanor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s traffic laws, refer to the official state code: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about the court handling your case, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic misdemeanors, including reckless driving. The court is located at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400. Virginia does not permit plea bargaining directly with the judge, but negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before trial are standard.
- Receive and review your summons: Your summons will list the charge, statute (likely Va. Code § 46.2-862), and your court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney immediately: Contact a traffic defense lawyer to discuss your options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
- Gather evidence for your defense: Collect any relevant evidence, such as witness statements, GPS data, or speedometer calibration records. Your attorney may also recommend completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic.
- Appear at your court date: You or your attorney must appear at Arlington County General District Court on your scheduled date. The case will be heard by a judge.
Penalties for Traffic Offenses 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 points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Speeding (General) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30 – $250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Driving on Suspended License (Va. Code § 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your driving history, and legal representation.
Our Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 94 results in Arlington County traffic cases, achieving dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions.
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 traffic cases: 11 dismissed or not guilty, 83 reduced or amended to lesser charges such as improper driving. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these documented cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We are a local reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County General District Court, accessible to residents of 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 conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and 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 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 | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.