Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 being the most common for speed-based offenses. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, or exceeding 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, constitutes reckless driving by speed. This is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-862
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving statutes, see the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 46.2-862). For court procedures and location details, visit the Fairfax County General District Court official website.
Fairfax County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Fairfax County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. The court is located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your summons and understand the charge: Your summons will list the specific Virginia Code section you are charged under, such as Va. Code § 46.2-862 for reckless driving by speed.
- Gather all evidence related to the traffic stop: Collect the officer’s notes, any calibration records for the radar or LIDAR device used, your vehicle’s maintenance records, and witness contact information.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney before your court date: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case specifics and defense strategy for Fairfax County General District Court.
- Appear at Fairfax County General District Court on your scheduled date: Go to 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Dress professionally and arrive early. Your attorney will meet you and handle the proceedings.
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 (≥20 mph over or ≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, insurance increases |
| Improper Driving (reduced charge) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increases possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on case specifics.
Our Experience in Fairfax County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We maintain a case-specific approach for each client facing traffic charges in Fairfax County.
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 1,132 documented results in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, 54 other favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Fairfax County courts (4110 Chain Bridge Road). We are a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County Courthouse, accessible via major highways.
We serve 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.
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 conviction also results in 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and 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, see our Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Falls Church and Prince William County. If you need assistance with other legal matters in Fairfax County, consider our criminal defense or DUI/DWI defense services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
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.