Reckless Driving Lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia
Virginia Reckless Driving Statute
Virginia law defines reckless driving under multiple statutes, with Va. Code § 46.2-862 being the most common for speed-based offenses. This statute makes it illegal to drive 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. The offense is a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction.
Last verified: March 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Va. Code § 46.2-862
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm combines over 120 years of legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 46.2-862). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the Alexandria General District Court official website.
Alexandria Court Process for Reckless Driving
Alexandria 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.
- Review your citation and court date: Check your ticket for the exact charge (Va. Code § 46.2-862 for reckless by speed) and your scheduled court date at Alexandria General District Court.
- Consult with an experienced traffic attorney: Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation. An attorney can review evidence like radar calibration and officer notes.
- Prepare your defense strategy: Your attorney may gather evidence, complete a Virginia driver improvement clinic, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge reduction.
- Appear at your court hearing: Attend your bench trial at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320. Your attorney will present your case before the judge.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Alexandria
In Alexandria, reckless driving carries penalties including 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 (Va. Code § 46.2-862) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month suspension | 6 DMV points, criminal record |
| Improper Driving (Va. Code § 46.2-869) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | None | 3 DMV points |
| General Speeding | Traffic Infraction | None | $30-$250+ | None | 3-6 DMV points |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We serve clients throughout Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne with global advocacy and 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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys actively practice in Alexandria General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Alexandria Traffic Defense
Our Arlington location is accessible for clients at Alexandria courts (520 King Street). We serve 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 in Alexandria 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 (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) 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 Resources
Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer | Arlington Reckless Driving Lawyer | Alexandria Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Kristen Fisher Profile | Arlington Location
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.