Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria 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 6-month license suspension; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. Our Arlington location serves Alexandria clients facing traffic charges at Alexandria General District Court.
Reckless driving in Virginia includes driving 20+ mph over the posted limit or 85+ mph regardless of the limit, creating a permanent criminal record upon conviction.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addressing excessive speed: driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit. This is not a simple traffic infraction but a criminal misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The specific statute for reckless driving by speed.
- Alexandria General District Court website – Official court information for Alexandria traffic cases.
Alexandria Court Process for Reckless Driving
All Alexandria reckless driving cases are heard at Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street. Virginia does not permit plea bargaining directly with judges, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Receive your citation with a court date for Alexandria General District Court.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney to review the evidence against you.
- Your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to improper driving or speeding.
- Attend your bench trial before a General District Court judge if no agreement is reached.
- If convicted in GDC, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
- Address any license suspension or DMV demerit point consequences.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Alexandria
In Alexandria, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, 6-month license suspension, and 6 DMV demerit points.
| 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 points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increases |
| Improper Driving (Reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 points only | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 points | Insurance increases possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys combine 120+ years of legal experience. 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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Traffic Defense
Our Arlington location is minutes from Alexandria courts, accessible via major highways. We are your Alexandria reckless driving lawyer near Alexandria Courthouse and serve Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Alexandria, 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 and insurance increases.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Alexandria?
Yes. In Alexandria, 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 Alexandria General District Court can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Alexandria, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Alexandria (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 Alexandria?
Your reckless driving case at Alexandria 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 and witness testimony.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Statewide hub page.
- Arlington Reckless Driving Lawyer – Serving neighboring Arlington County.
- Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Alexandria.
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile – Learn more about your attorney.
- Arlington Law Office Location – Our serving location for Alexandria.
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.