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 offenses at Arlington County General District Court. Contact us for a case-specific approach.
Statutory Definition of Reckless Driving in Arlington County
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically makes driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or driving 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, reckless driving per se. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket.
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. The firm uses this experience to handle traffic cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For court information, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Local Court Process in Arlington County
Arlington County 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.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Consult with an attorney: Contact a traffic defense lawyer to review your case and discuss defense strategies specific to Arlington County procedures.
- Prepare your defense: Gather evidence such as speedometer calibration records, witness statements, and complete a Virginia driver improvement clinic.
- Attend your court date: Appear at Arlington County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will represent you before the judge.
- Review the outcome: If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal de novo to Arlington County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Reckless Driving 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 (≥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 | Traffic 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.
Firm Experience in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. The firm has achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense in Arlington County
Our Arlington location is near Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major local highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and near 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 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 Resources
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer | Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria | Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile | Arlington Law Location
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. 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.