Greene County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge, not a simple traffic ticket, and requires a court appearance at Greene County General District Court.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving broadly. Under Va. Code § 46.2-852, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person is guilty of reckless driving. A specific provision, 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 posted limit, automatically reckless driving.
Last verified: March 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see: Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly website).
For court information, visit: Greene County General District Court website.
Local Court Process in Greene County
All Greene County traffic cases, including reckless driving, are heard at the Greene County General District Court. This is a criminal court, not traffic court. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining directly with the judge, but prosecutors can agree to amend charges before trial.
- Receive your summons: You will receive a summons with your court date at Greene County General District Court, 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville.
- Consult an attorney: Contact a traffic defense lawyer immediately. An attorney can review the evidence, such as radar calibration records, and begin building your defense.
- Prepare for court: Your attorney may advise completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic and gathering evidence like witness statements or maintenance records for your vehicle.
- Attend your hearing: Appear at Greene County General District Court on your scheduled date. Your attorney will represent you before the judge and negotiate with the prosecutor.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Greene County
In Greene County, reckless driving carries a penalty of 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 (General – § 46.2-852) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points; Criminal record |
| Reckless Driving by Speed (≥20 over or ≥85 mph – § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Mandatory 6-month suspension for ≥90 mph | 6 DMV points; Criminal record |
| Improper Driving (§ 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | No suspension | 3 DMV points; No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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
Case Results in Greene County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 3 documented results in Greene County: 1 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate). These results are specific to Greene County cases.
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not aim for future results.
Local Traffic Defense in Greene County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at Greene County courts (85 Stanard Street). Our Greene County reckless driving lawyer is accessible via Route 29 and Route 33. We serve the Stanardsville and Ruckersville 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: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Greene County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Greene 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 Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Greene 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 Greene County?
Yes. In Greene 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 Greene County General District Court can negotiate effectively. Completing a Virginia driver improvement clinic before your court date is often considered favorably.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Greene County, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Greene 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 Greene County General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Greene County?
Your reckless driving case at Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973) 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 Services
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Our state hub page.
Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer – Defense in a neighboring locality.
Greene County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in Greene County.
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.