Reckless Driving by Speed Lawyer Fairfax County — What Is Your Best Defense?
Reckless driving by speed in Fairfax County is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 46.2-862, carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6-month license suspension. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1132 documented results in Fairfax County: 199 dismissed/not guilty, 861 reduced/amended, and 54 other favorable outcomes.
Virginia Reckless Driving by Speed Law
Virginia law defines reckless driving by speed under Va. Code § 46.2-862. This statute makes it illegal to drive 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or in excess of 85 miles per hour, regardless of the limit. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, this is a criminal charge. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background informs our aggressive defense strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 46.2-862 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Fairfax County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for a Reckless Driving by Speed Charge
At Fairfax County General District Court, reckless driving under Va. Code § 46.2-862 is treated as a serious criminal misdemeanor. Prosecutors there routinely review evidence like radar calibration and officer testimony. An experienced excessive speed charge defense lawyer Fairfax can challenge this evidence and negotiate for a reduction.
- Receive your summons with a mandatory court date at Fairfax County General District Court.
- Consult with a defense attorney to review the evidence, including the radar device used.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction.
- If no agreement is reached, present your defense at a bench trial before a judge.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving in Fairfax
In Fairfax County, a reckless driving by speed conviction carries severe penalties including jail time, large fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (≥20 over or ≥85 mph) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record, major insurance increases |
| Improper Driving (Common Reduction) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points, no suspension | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Fairfax County Traffic Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. In Fairfax County specifically, we have achieved 1132 documented results for traffic matters.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). 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 Case Results in Fairfax County
Our firm has a strong track record in Fairfax County courts. For example, we secured a reduction from 76/55 mph reckless driving to a 74/55 mph speeding violation in Fairfax County GDC. In another high-speed case, we obtained a favorable disposition for a client charged with 110/55 mph reckless driving. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reckless Driving Defense Near Fairfax County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Fairfax County courts. We are your local reckless driving lawyer near Fairfax County. We serve communities including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
FAQs: Reckless Driving by Speed in Fairfax County
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.
How much does a reckless driving ticket cost in Fairfax County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+, but reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires a court appearance. Court costs are about $62. The total financial impact, including insurance increases over 3-5 years, can exceed $10,000.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Fairfax County?
Yes. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend reckless driving to improper driving (a traffic infraction with 3 points) or simple speeding. An experienced speeding reckless driving lawyer Fairfax can negotiate this, often aided by completing a driver improvement clinic.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia?
If charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer—it is a criminal misdemeanor. For simple speeding, an attorney can often negotiate reduced points and fines at Fairfax County General District Court.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Fairfax County?
Your case at Fairfax County General District Court will be a bench trial where the Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present evidence like speedometer calibration certificates. The process from arraignment to trial typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, learn about criminal defense in Fairfax County or DUI/DWI defense in Fairfax. For more on reckless driving statewide, see our Virginia reckless driving lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Falls Church and Prince William County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current advice regarding your reckless driving by speed charge in Fairfax.