Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Alexandria 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 4,739+ documented results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our Arlington location serves clients facing charges at Alexandria General District Court. We provide full representation for traffic offenses, from speeding to reckless driving by speed.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
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 driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or driving 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, a criminal act of reckless driving. It is not a simple traffic infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-862
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia reckless driving statute, see: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly).
For information about the Alexandria court handling these cases, visit: Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Reckless Driving
Alexandria 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.
- Review your citation and court date from the Alexandria General District Court.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney familiar with Alexandria prosecutors.
- Gather evidence like speedometer calibration records and witness statements.
- Consider completing a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic.
- Attend your mandatory court appearance at 520 King Street.
- Work with your attorney to present your defense or negotiate a resolution.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Alexandria
In Alexandria, 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 |
| Improper Driving (Reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points, no suspension | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense in Alexandria. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
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 Alexandria
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Alexandria. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our service areas in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense in Alexandria
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Alexandria and the Old Town area. We serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?
Yes. In Alexandria, 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 Alexandria General District Court can negotiate effectively. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often considered favorably.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Alexandria, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Alexandria (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 Alexandria General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Alexandria?
Your reckless driving case at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) 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 Hub
Reckless Driving Lawyer in Arlington County
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Alexandria | DUI/DWI Lawyer in Alexandria
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.