Reckless Driving Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County reckless driving 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 94 documented results in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended. Our Arlington location provides full representation for traffic offenses heard at Arlington County General District Court.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 being the most common for speed-based offenses. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving by speed. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket.
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 website). For court information and procedures, visit the Arlington County General District Court website.
Arlington County Court Process
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. Completion of a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic before trial is often considered favorably.
- Receive and review your summons: Your summons will list the charge, statute (likely Va. Code § 46.2-862), court date, and location: Arlington County General District Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201.
- Consult with an attorney immediately: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. A lawyer can review the evidence, explain the penalties (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), and discuss defense strategies specific to Arlington County.
- Prepare your defense: Gather evidence: vehicle maintenance records, witness statements, GPS data. Consider completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date, as this is often viewed favorably by Arlington prosecutors.
- Attend your court date: Appear at Arlington County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, potentially seeking a reduction to improper driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) or dismissal.
- Understand the outcome: If convicted, you face jail, fines, license suspension, and 6 DMV points. You have 10 days to appeal a GDC conviction to Circuit Court for a new trial. If charges are reduced or dismissed, ensure all paperwork is filed correctly.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Arlington
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 for lesser offenses 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 (General) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 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, your driving history, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Our tagline reflects our approach: 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 in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results for traffic cases in Arlington County: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 83 reduced/amended. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these Arlington County matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case. Each case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Local Traffic Defense in Arlington
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is near Arlington County General District Court. We serve as a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County and the surrounding communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings at our Arlington location are 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria City. If you need assistance with other matters in Arlington, consider our Arlington County criminal defense lawyers or Arlington County DUI/DWI lawyers. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
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.