New Kent County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
New Kent 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 7 documented results in New Kent County: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended. Our Richmond location provides full representation for traffic cases at New Kent County General District Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Statutory Definition of Reckless Driving in Virginia
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically makes driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit, or exceeding 85 mph regardless of the limit, reckless driving per se. 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 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving statute, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For information about the court handling these cases, visit the New Kent County General District Court website.
Local Court Process in New Kent County
New Kent 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 with a court date for New Kent County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney from our Richmond location at (888) 437-7747.
- Gather evidence like speedometer calibration certificates and witness information.
- Attend your bench trial at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124.
- If convicted, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in New Kent County
In New Kent County, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, a 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points (Va. Code § 46.2-862).
| 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 DMV points, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | None | 3 DMV points, no criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | None | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and has handled 4,739+ cases firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Kristen Fisher, Senior Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in MD, VA. Former MD Assistant State’s Attorney. View Kristen Fisher’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in New Kent County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 7 documented results in New Kent County: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended — a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation
Our Richmond location is accessible from New Kent County courts via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60. We are a reckless driving lawyer near New Kent County and near Colonial Downs Racetrack. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in New Kent 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 New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia. 7 documented results: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 5 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in New Kent 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. Total financial impact over 3-5 years can exceed $10,000.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in New Kent County?
Yes. In New Kent 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 New Kent County General District Court can negotiate effectively. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often considered favorably.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in New Kent County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in New Kent 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 New Kent County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in New Kent County?
Your reckless driving case at New Kent 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. Arraignment to bench trial in GDC: 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer | Henrico County Reckless Driving Lawyer | New Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Bryan Block Profile
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.