Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Fairfax 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 1132 documented results in Fairfax County. Our attorneys provide full representation for traffic offenses at Fairfax County General District Court. We handle the details of your case to seek a favorable outcome.
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit or at 85 mph or more, regardless of the limit.
Statutory Definition of Reckless Driving in Fairfax County
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes. Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addresses reckless driving by speed, making it a crime to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or at 85 miles per hour or more. Va. Code § 46.2-852 provides a general prohibition against driving “in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.” These are criminal charges, not simple traffic infractions.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, refer to the official state code: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). The Fairfax County General District Court, where these cases are heard, provides procedural information at its official website: Fairfax County General District Court.
Local Court Process in Fairfax County
All traffic cases, including reckless driving, are heard at the Fairfax County General District Court. Reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862 is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense. It creates a permanent criminal record if convicted. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level. Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Receive your summons with a court date for Fairfax County General District Court.
- Consult with an attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review the evidence.
- Gather defense evidence, such as speedometer calibration certificates.
- Consider completing a Virginia-certified driver improvement clinic.
- Appear in court on your scheduled date for arraignment and potential trial.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
Penalties for Traffic Offenses in Fairfax County
In Fairfax 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 (≥85 mph or 20+ over) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| Improper Driving | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 points | No criminal record |
| Speeding (1-9 mph over) | Infraction | None | $30-$100 | 3 points | Insurance increase |
| Speeding (10-19 mph over) | Infraction | None | $100-$250+ | 4 points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Firm Credentials and Experience
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+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. Our tagline is “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
Documented Case Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results for traffic cases in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, 54 other favorable outcomes. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County traffic cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Representation in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location is near the Fairfax County General District Court, accessible via major highways. We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County for clients in Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
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 demerit points, potential license suspension, and substantial 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 instead of 6) 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 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
For more information, visit our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby localities such as Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Fairfax County, consider our Criminal Defense Lawyer or DUI/DWI Lawyer services. 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.