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 traffic defense team provides full representation for charges like speeding 20+ mph over the limit or driving 85+ mph, which Virginia law defines as reckless driving.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law in Fairfax County
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, makes driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the limit, reckless driving per se. Other forms of dangerous driving fall under Va. Code § 46.2-852. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Fairfax County Court Process for Reckless Driving
Fairfax County General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving. 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 charges. Examine your ticket for the exact 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, any witness statements, GPS data, and consider a speedometer calibration certificate.
- Consult with a traffic defense attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and defense strategy before your court date.
- Appear at your arraignment. Attend your scheduled court date at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Your attorney can represent you.
- Present your defense or negotiate. Your attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge reduction or present your defense at a bench trial.
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 (Va. Code § 46.2-862). Prepayable traffic fines range from $30 to $250+.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (≥20 over/≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| General Reckless Driving | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 points | Permanent criminal record |
| Speeding (simple) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Firm Credentials and Local Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County, we have a deep understanding of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Traffic Defense Representation
Our Fairfax location is accessible for clients at Fairfax County courts. We serve as a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County and the surrounding communities of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
(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. 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) or simple speeding. An experienced attorney can negotiate effectively.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. 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 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
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.