Speeding Ticket Lawyer Arlington County — How to Fight Your Ticket
A speeding ticket in Arlington County can escalate to a Class 1 misdemeanor reckless driving charge under Va. Code § 46.2-862 if you were going 20+ mph over the limit or 85+ mph. This carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and 6 DMV points. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Speeding and Reckless Driving Laws
In Virginia, a simple speeding ticket is a traffic infraction. However, exceeding the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or driving 85 mph or more anywhere in the state is classified as reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor. The statute governing this is Va. Code § 46.2-862. This means your case is heard in criminal court, not traffic court, and a conviction results in a permanent criminal record. Understanding this distinction is the first critical step in building a defense.
Official Court Resources and Statutes
For the official text of Virginia’s reckless driving laws, refer to the Virginia Code online. All Arlington County traffic and reckless driving cases are processed through the Arlington County General District Court. This court’s procedures and local rules will directly impact your case strategy.
Local Court Process for Fighting a Ticket in Arlington
At Arlington County General District Court, the Commonwealth’s Attorney reviews all reckless driving charges. While Virginia law restricts plea bargaining before a judge, prosecutors can agree to amend charges before trial based on the evidence and your driving record. For instance, they may reduce a reckless driving charge to improper driving, a non-criminal traffic infraction with fewer points.
- Receive your summons with a mandatory court date at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd.
- Consult with a speeding violation defense lawyer Arlington County to review evidence like the officer’s notes and calibration records.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions or engage in discussions with the prosecutor.
- Appear in court for a bench trial where the officer must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt.
- If convicted in General District Court, you have 10 days to appeal for a new trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Speeding Violations
In Arlington County, a speeding ticket can lead to fines, DMV points, and higher insurance, while reckless driving is a criminal offense with jail time.
| 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 possible, 6 DMV points | Permanent criminal record |
| Speeding (1-19 mph over) | Traffic Infraction | None | $30 – $250+ | 3-6 DMV points | Insurance increases, points for 2 years |
| Improper Driving (Reduced charge) | Traffic Infraction | None | Up to $500 | 3 DMV points | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing traffic charges across Virginia.
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
Documented Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has a strong record in Arlington County traffic court, with 94 documented results for clients. These include cases where charges were dismissed, clients were found not guilty, or serious charges like reckless driving were amended down to lesser infractions like simple speeding.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Reckless driving (20+ over): Reduced to Speeding 10-14 mph over.
- Speeding 62/45: Amended to Fail to pay full time and attention.
- Speeding 60/35: Reduced to 54/35 speeding.
These results demonstrate our approach to building an effective defense for each client. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Speeding Ticket Defense Near Arlington County, VA
Our Arlington location serves clients at the Arlington County General District Court. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a speeding ticket lawyer near Arlington County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Reckless driving in Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia?
Prepayable traffic fines range $30-$250+. Reckless driving is non-prepayable and requires a court appearance. Beyond fines and court costs, a conviction leads to 6 DMV points, potential license suspension, and significant multi-year insurance increases.
Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Arlington County?
Yes. An experienced speeding violation defense lawyer Arlington County can often negotiate with the prosecutor to amend reckless driving to improper driving (a non-criminal infraction with 3 points) or simple speeding, especially if you complete a driver improvement clinic.
Do I need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Arlington County, Virginia?
If charged with reckless driving (20+ over or 85+ mph), you absolutely need a lawyer due to the criminal penalties. For simple speeding, an attorney can often negotiate reduced points and fines, protecting your driving record and insurance rates.
What happens at a reckless driving court date in Arlington County?
Your case at Arlington County General District Court will be a bench trial. The Commonwealth must prove your speed beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present defense evidence. The process from arraignment to trial typically takes 4-8 weeks.
For more information on related legal matters, see our pages on criminal defense in Arlington County and DUI/DWI defense. Explore our statewide resources as a Virginia reckless driving lawyer or see how we help clients in neighboring areas like Alexandria.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.