Arlington County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Statutory Definition of Reckless Driving in Arlington County
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. The most common charge in Arlington County is reckless driving by speed under Va. Code § 46.2-862, which makes driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or over 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, a criminal offense. Other forms include general reckless driving (Va. Code § 46.2-852), reckless driving on parking lots (Va. Code § 46.2-864), and reckless driving passing a stopped school bus (Va. Code § 46.2-859). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, focuses on these traffic defenses.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Citations
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – Reckless driving by speed.
- Arlington County General District Court website – Court information, forms, and procedures.
Arlington County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Arlington 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.
- Receive and review your summons with the charge, statute, and court date for Arlington County General District Court.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney familiar with Arlington County prosecutors and judges.
- Gather evidence like driving records, speedometer calibration certificates, and witness statements.
- Attend your court date at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd with your attorney to present your case.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Arlington County
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.
| 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 |
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. Results may vary.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Arlington County traffic defense is led by a former prosecutor who understands how cases are built and challenged in local courts.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 94 documented results for traffic cases in Arlington County: 11 dismissed or found not guilty, 83 reduced or amended to lesser charges. This represents a 100% favorable outcome rate for these cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense in Arlington County
Our Arlington location is minutes from Arlington County General District Court, accessible via major highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Arlington County Courthouse and serve the Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington communities. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (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 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+; reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires mandatory court appearance; court costs approximately $62. A 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) 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
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance specific to your case.
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.