Reckless Driving by Speed Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
Reckless driving by speed in Henrico County 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 Henrico County for reckless driving and excessive speed charges. Our Richmond location serves clients at the Henrico County General District Court.
Virginia Reckless Driving by Speed Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving by speed under Va. Code § 46.2-862. This statute makes it a criminal offense to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. Unlike a simple traffic ticket, this is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a criminal charge that creates a permanent record upon conviction.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Virginia Law & Court Resources
For the official text of the reckless driving statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For information on the Henrico County court handling these cases, visit the Henrico County General District Court website.
Handling a Reckless Driving by Speed Case in Henrico County
In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend a reckless driving by speed charge to improper driving (a traffic infraction with 3 points) before trial. An experienced reckless driving by speed lawyer Henrico County can negotiate this outcome. The key local procedural fact is that Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but prosecutors can amend charges pre-trial.
- Receive your summons with a court date for Henrico County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney who can review the evidence, including the officer’s speed measurement method.
- Your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to a lesser offense.
- 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.
Penalties for Reckless Driving by Speed in Henrico County
In Henrico County, reckless driving by speed carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a 6-month driver’s license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (≥20 over or ≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension possible; 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record; major insurance increases |
| Improper Driving (common reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points; no suspension | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Henrico County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. For Henrico County traffic cases, we have a documented record of 8 results, with 6 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 2 charges reduced or amended.
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
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 Reckless Driving in Henrico County
Our firm has secured favorable outcomes in Henrico County. Documented results include multiple cases where charges of Reckless Driving – Speeding in Excess of 80 MPH were dismissed at the Henrico County General District Court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex traffic matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Lawyer Near Henrico County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road). We are a reckless driving by speed lawyer Henrico County near you, serving communities including Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville.
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.
Reckless Driving by Speed in Henrico County: FAQs
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Henrico County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Henrico 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.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Henrico County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+. Reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires a court appearance. Court costs are approximately $62. A conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and insurance increases exceeding $10,000 over years.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Henrico County?
Yes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend reckless driving to improper driving (a traffic infraction with 3 points) or simple speeding. An experienced speeding reckless driving lawyer Henrico County can negotiate this, and completing a driver improvement clinic is often viewed favorably.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Henrico County, Virginia?
If charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer—it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. For simple speeding, an attorney at Henrico County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines to minimize long-term costs.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Henrico County?
Your case at Henrico 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 like speedometer calibration data. The process from arraignment to trial typically takes 4-8 weeks.
For related legal assistance, see our pages for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Henrico County or a DUI/DWI Lawyer in Henrico County. For similar traffic defense in nearby areas, our Reckless Driving Lawyer in Chesterfield County can help. Learn more about our firm’s statewide traffic defense on our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.