Charged with Reckless Driving in Arlington, VA? What to Expect in Courtroom 3C
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Arlington, Virginia, you’re not just dealing with a traffic ticket—you’re facing a criminal offense that could lead to jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. These cases are heard in Courtroom 3C of the Arlington General District Court, and knowing how to approach your case can make all the difference.
Understanding Reckless Driving Under Virginia Law (§ 46.2-862)
Virginia takes reckless driving seriously. Under Va. Code § 46.2-862, you're guilty of reckless driving if you're:
- Driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit
- Driving at any speed over 85 mph, regardless of the limit
Other actions like aggressive lane changes, failing to yield, or passing a stopped school bus can also result in a reckless driving charge. These are Class 1 misdemeanors with potential consequences including:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- 6 DMV points
- Possible license suspension
- A permanent criminal record
If you’ve been cited for speeding over 85 mph in Arlington, these penalties apply even if you thought it was “just a ticket.”
What to Expect in Arlington Traffic Court – Courtroom 3C
Reckless driving cases are heard in Courtroom 3C at the Arlington County General District Court, located at 1425 N. Courthouse Road. In most of these cases, prosecutors are not involved. Instead, the case is typically resolved between your attorney, the officer, and the judge.
This unique structure makes it essential to have a skilled Arlington reckless driving lawyer who can negotiate directly with the officer, identify legal weaknesses, and advocate persuasively to the judge.
Reckless Driving Defense Strategies That Work in Arlington
At Dischley Law, PLLC, we frequently appear in Courtroom 3C and know how to work within Arlington’s streamlined traffic process. Since prosecutors often aren’t involved, we engage directly with officers and judges. Strong defenses may include:
- Radar or pacing calibration issues
- Speedometer calibration showing your car reads higher than actual speed
- Emergency or necessity-based defenses
- Mitigating factors like driving school, clean record, or community service
Meet the Attorneys of Dischley Law, PLLC
At Dischley Law, you're represented by attorneys with real courtroom and law enforcement experience:
- David J. Dischley – Former U.S. Marine, uniformed officer, prosecutor, and intelligence officer. He brings tactical, investigative, and legal expertise to every case.
- Patrick O’Brien – A career prosecutor with over 10 years of experience handling thousands of criminal cases. Clients describe Patrick as “professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough.”
With Dischley Law, you benefit from a team that’s worked all sides of the courtroom—from street-level enforcement to prosecution and now, powerful criminal defense.
Why You Need a Criminal Traffic Attorney in Arlington, VA
Reckless driving convictions go beyond fines—they can cost you your job, impact your insurance, and remain on your criminal record permanently. In a courtroom where prosecutors aren’t typically present, you need a defense attorney who understands the local process and can directly negotiate with officers and present your case effectively to the judge.