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. Our traffic defense team provides full representation for charges heard at Arlington County General District Court. We handle the details of your case to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, including Va. Code § 46.2-862 for excessive speed (driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or over 85 mph regardless of the limit). The statute classifies this as a criminal misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor with direct experience in traffic court procedures.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the reckless driving statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information and procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your citation and court date: Check your ticket for the court date and location: Arlington County General District Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. An attorney can review the evidence against you and explain your options.
- Gather evidence for your defense: Collect any relevant evidence, such as GPS data, witness statements, or speedometer calibration records.
- Appear in court with representation: Your attorney will appear with you at Arlington County General District Court to present your case and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- Understand the outcome and next steps: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court for a new trial.
Reckless Driving Penalties 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 (≥20 over/≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving (reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 points | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Our Experience in Arlington County Traffic Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our firm-wide case results total 4,739+ with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. In Arlington County, we have a documented track record of handling traffic cases. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
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 for Arlington County Traffic Offenses
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Traffic Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location is a short distance from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major local highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the Arlington County Courthouse area. We serve 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 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 | Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.