Reckless Driving by Speed Lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving by speed in Virginia Beach is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6-month license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results in Virginia Beach for reckless driving by speed.
Virginia Reckless Driving by Speed Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving by speed as operating a vehicle at 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour, regardless of the limit. This is codified under Va. Code § 46.2-862. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, this charge is a criminal misdemeanor, not a traffic infraction. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, significant fines, potential jail time, and a mandatory license suspension.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official state statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 46.2-862. Court information and procedures can be found on the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Reckless Driving by Speed Charge
All reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach are heard at the Virginia Beach General District Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may consider amending the charge to improper driving (a non-criminal traffic infraction) based on the driver’s record and case facts. An experienced excessive speed charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach can present mitigating evidence, such as a clean driving history or completion of a driver improvement clinic, to support this request.
- Receive your summons with a mandatory court date at Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Consult with a speeding reckless driving lawyer Virginia Beach to review the evidence and your driving record.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving by Speed in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, a reckless driving by speed conviction carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving by Speed (≥20 over or ≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points; Permanent criminal record; Increased insurance rates |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Virginia Beach Traffic Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide focused, case-specific defense for traffic violations in Virginia Beach.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Documented Case Results in Virginia Beach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented results for reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach, with all 8 resulting in charges being reduced or amended. For example, our team, including Mr. Sris, has successfully negotiated reductions from reckless driving to improper driving, avoiding criminal records for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving by Speed Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-64 and I-264. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Reckless Driving in Virginia Beach
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Virginia Beach 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.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Virginia Beach, 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. A conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and substantial insurance increases.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Virginia Beach?
Yes. In Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend reckless driving to improper driving (a traffic infraction with no criminal record) or simple speeding. An experienced Reckless Driving by Speed Lawyer Virginia Beach can negotiate effectively based on the facts of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Virginia Beach, 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 at Virginia Beach General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Virginia Beach?
Your case at Virginia Beach 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 and witness testimony.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, consider a Virginia Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.