Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
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 at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving as a Class 1 misdemeanor. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience to handle your traffic case.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The statute defining reckless driving by speed.
- Fairfax County General District Court website – Official court information for Fairfax County traffic cases.
Fairfax County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Fairfax 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.
- Review your summons and charges: Examine your traffic summons for the exact charge, statute cited (e.g., Va. Code § 46.2-862), and your court date at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect your driving record, vehicle registration, insurance, and any evidence like GPS data or witness statements that may support your case.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case specifics and defense strategy before your court date.
- Prepare for your court appearance: Your attorney will guide you on courtroom procedure, potential plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and presentation of evidence.
- Attend your hearing and present your case: Appear at Fairfax County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will represent you before the judge in a bench trial.
Penalties for Reckless Driving 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 under Va. Code § 46.2-862.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (≥85 mph or 20+ over) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months jail | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increase |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase possible |
| Improper Driving (common reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Fine only | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
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.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fairfax County Traffic Case?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Fairfax County traffic matters.
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 Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, 54 other favorable — a 98% favorable outcome rate for traffic cases in this locality.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Traffic Defense in Fairfax County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse area, accessible via major highways.
We serve the Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church area and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
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 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 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 at Fairfax County General District Court 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
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Our state hub page for reckless driving defense.
- Fairfax City Reckless Driving Lawyer – Traffic defense in neighboring Fairfax City.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile – Learn more about your assigned attorney.
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.