Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifying that driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic infraction. The statute is part of Virginia’s traffic safety code designed to address dangerous driving behavior.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-862
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Fairfax County General District Court website provides procedural information at Fairfax County General District Court.
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 for the specific Virginia Code section and court date.
- Gather evidence including your driving record, speedometer calibration certificates, and witness statements.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney familiar with Fairfax County procedures before your court date.
- Appear at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210) prepared to present your case.
Penalties for Traffic Offenses in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (20+ over/85+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Improper Driving | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense cases in Fairfax County. Our firm has achieved firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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 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 — a 98% favorable outcome rate for traffic cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Traffic Lawyer Near Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We represent clients throughout 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
(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 conviction also results in 6 DMV points and 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) 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 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 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 Services
For more information, see our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Fairfax City and Falls Church. In Fairfax County, we handle criminal defense and DUI/DWI cases. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.