Fauquier County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit or exceeding 85 mph regardless of the posted limit.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal offense, not a simple traffic infraction. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, states that any person who drives a vehicle on any highway at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the posted limit is guilty of reckless driving. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor category in Virginia.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fauquier 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 brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, visit the official Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 46.2-862). For information about court procedures and locations, refer to the Fauquier County General District Court website.
Fauquier County Court Procedures
Fauquier 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. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your citation and court date: Check your ticket for the exact charge, court date, and time. Reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862 requires a mandatory appearance at Fauquier County General District Court.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect your driving record, vehicle maintenance records, speedometer calibration certificates if available, and any witness contact information.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case. An attorney can review the evidence and develop a defense strategy.
- Appear at Fauquier County General District Court: Attend your scheduled court date at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Your attorney will represent you before the judge and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Consider completing a driver improvement clinic: Completing a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic before your court date may be viewed favorably by the prosecution and court.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Fauquier County
In Fauquier 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 (20+ over/85+) | 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 | No suspension | 3 DMV points, no criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | Possible suspension for excessive points | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 Fauquier County. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand both sides of traffic enforcement and prosecution. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our tagline “Global advocacy. Local precision.” reflects our approach to every case. We provide focused, case-specific representation case-specific to Fauquier County General District Court procedures and local prosecution practices.
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 Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 70 documented results in Fauquier County traffic cases: 2 dismissed/not guilty, 61 reduced/amended, 7 other favorable outcomes. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for our Fauquier County traffic defense work.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Services
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fauquier County courts (6 Court Street, Warrenton). The office is accessible via I-66, Route 29, Route 17, Route 28, and Route 211. We provide experienced reckless driving lawyer representation near Warrenton and throughout Fauquier County.
We serve clients in Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, The Plains, and surrounding Fauquier County communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Fauquier County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County?
Yes. In Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Fauquier County?
Your reckless driving case at Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186) 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 Services
For more information about traffic defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page.
We also serve clients in nearby localities: Fairfax County reckless driving lawyer, Prince William County reckless driving lawyer.
If you need other legal services in Fauquier County, consider: Fauquier County criminal defense lawyer, Fauquier County DUI/DWI lawyer.
Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher’s background and experience.
Visit our Fairfax office location page for directions and appointment information.
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.