Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria 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 handled traffic cases in Alexandria General District Court. Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph automatically qualifies as reckless driving in Virginia, creating a permanent criminal record if convicted.
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 specifically addressing excessive speed: driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit or exceeding 85 mph regardless of the limit. This is not a simple traffic infraction but a criminal misdemeanor. The statute aims to punish driving that endangers life, limb, or property.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly Code
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). For Alexandria court information, visit the Alexandria General District Court website.
Alexandria Court Process for Reckless Driving
Alexandria General District Court hears all traffic cases including reckless driving at 520 King Street. Virginia does not allow plea bargaining at the judge level, but Commonwealth’s Attorneys may agree to amend charges before trial.
- Review your citation and court date on the ticket.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney before your court date.
- Gather evidence like GPS data or witness statements.
- Appear at Alexandria General District Court with representation.
- Your attorney presents defense and negotiates with prosecutors.
- If convicted in GDC, you can appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Alexandria
In Alexandria, reckless driving carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, 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+ over/85+) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | No suspension | 3 DMV points |
| Simple Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | Possible suspension for excessive points | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. Each case depends on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Experience in Alexandria Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to traffic defense. Our attorneys understand Alexandria court procedures and work to protect your driving privileges and criminal record.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes in traffic and criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Traffic Defense
Our Arlington location serves clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We represent clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. As a reckless driving lawyer near Alexandria, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Alexandria, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). Driving 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph is automatically reckless driving in Virginia.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?
Yes. In Alexandria, 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria, Virginia?
If you are charged with reckless driving in Alexandria (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 Alexandria General District Court can often negotiate reduced points and fines.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Alexandria?
Your reckless driving case at Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) 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 | Arlington Reckless Driving Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile
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.