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 Arlington location provides full representation for traffic charges at Arlington County General District Court. You need a case-specific approach for these serious charges.
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. Driving 20 mph over the posted limit or 85 mph or more is automatically reckless under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law treats reckless driving not as a simple traffic ticket, but as a criminal misdemeanor. The statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, specifically states that any person who drives a motor vehicle on any highway in the Commonwealth at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or in excess of eighty-five miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit is guilty of reckless driving.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. This background provides direct insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases.
Official Legal Resources
Arlington County Court Process
Arlington County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. This charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, not a traffic ticket. It creates a permanent criminal record if convicted.
- Receive and review your summons. Your summons will list the charge, statute, and your court date at Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney. Contact an attorney familiar with Arlington County procedures. Discuss completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic.
- Prepare for your court appearance. Gather evidence such as your driving record and vehicle maintenance records.
- Appear at Arlington County General District Court. Attend your scheduled court date at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400.
- Present your case or accept a resolution. Your attorney may present a defense or accept an amended charge if offered.
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. Prepayable traffic fines range from $30 to $250+.
| 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 (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Speeding (20+ over limit) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 6 DMV 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 and court discretion.
Our Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
In Arlington County, we have a documented record of 94 traffic case results: 11 dismissed or found not guilty, and 83 reduced or amended to lesser charges.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented traffic case results in Arlington County: 11 cases dismissed or found not guilty, and 83 cases reduced or amended to lesser charges. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these documented Arlington County cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts.
Arlington County Traffic Lawyer Near You
Our Arlington location serves clients at Arlington County courts (1425 N. Courthouse Rd). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities.
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. 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 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) 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 (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months 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. Arraignment to bench trial typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Services
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Parent hub page
- Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
- Arlington, VA Law Location
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.