Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or at 85 mph or greater on any highway.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, states that any person who drives a motor vehicle on any highway in Virginia 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 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-862
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm uses its experience to defend clients facing serious traffic charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 46.2-862). Information about court procedures and locations is available on the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Fairfax County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Fairfax 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.
- Review your summons and charges. Examine your traffic summons for the specific Virginia Code section cited, your court date, and the Fairfax County General District Court location.
- Gather evidence and documentation. Collect your driving record, any calibration certificates for your speedometer, witness statements, and GPS data if available.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case specifics and defense strategy before your court date.
- Appear at Fairfax County General District Court. Attend your scheduled court date at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Your attorney will represent you before the judge.
- Address the court’s decision. If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Fairfax County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Fairfax County
In Fairfax 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 (≥85 mph or 20+ over) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increase |
| 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 possible |
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. Results may vary.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to traffic defense in Fairfax County. We focus on the specific procedures and expectations of Fairfax County General District Court.
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 in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, 54 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate). These results reflect our work at Fairfax County General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County for residents of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County?
Yes. In Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Fairfax County?
Your reckless driving case at Fairfax 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities including Fairfax City and Falls Church. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Fairfax County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.