Fairfax County Reckless Driving Lawyer — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or at 85 mph or more regardless of the limit.
Virginia Reckless Driving Law
Virginia law classifies reckless driving as a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. The primary statute, Va. Code § 46.2-862, states that 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. Other forms of reckless driving include passing a stopped school bus, racing, and driving too fast for conditions (Va. Code § 46.2-852). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, focuses on these serious traffic charges.
Last verified: March 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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. 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: Identify the specific statute cited (usually Va. Code § 46.2-862 for speed) and note your court date at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Gather evidence and documentation: Collect your driving record, any calibration certificates for your speedometer, witness statements, and GPS data if available.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and develop a defense strategy before your court date.
- Appear at Fairfax County General District Court: Arrive early at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030. Your attorney will represent you before the judge.
- Present your defense or negotiate a resolution: Your attorney may present evidence to challenge the charge or negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser offense.
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 (1-19 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increase |
| Driving on Suspended License | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail possible |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are the maximum under Virginia law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
Why Choose Our Fairfax County Traffic Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Fairfax County, we have secured 1132 documented results for traffic cases: 199 dismissed or found not guilty, 861 reduced or amended to lesser charges. This local experience is backed by former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who understand how these cases are built and challenged.
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 Results in Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results for traffic cases in Fairfax County: 199 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 861 charges reduced or amended to lesser offenses, and 54 other favorable resolutions. This represents a 98% favorable outcome rate for our Fairfax County traffic defense practice.
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). As a reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County, we represent clients from 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. – Fairfax Location
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 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 Services
- Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer – Our state-wide hub page for reckless driving defense.
- Fairfax City Reckless Driving Lawyer – Defense for the independent city of Fairfax.
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Representation for other criminal charges in Fairfax County.
- Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher – Profile of our lead traffic attorney for Fairfax County.
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.