September 29, 2014
Midlothian, Va. – The eastbound Midlothian Turnpike ramp to the Powhite Parkway will remain closed until approximately 3:00 PM on Monday, September 29, 2014, due to an overturned tractor-trailer at the top of the ramp.
The 2005 Freightliner, driven by 51 year old Hung V. Le, was hauling organic grapes at the time it overturned. Mr. Le has been charged with reckless driving and speed is reported as a factor in the wreck.
In Virginia, any person driving a vehicle at a speed or manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person can be considered to be driving recklessly, irrespective of the maximum speed permitted by law.
Virginians convicted of reckless driving are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can include up to a $2,500.00 fine, 12 months, and/or 6 months loss of driving privileges.
Drivers facing reckless driving charges may, with the help of counsel, be able to have the offense changed to improper driving. Unlike reckless driving, improper driving is a traffic infraction, not a Class 1 misdemeanor.
An experienced legal counselor can help those charged with reckless driving to negotiate with Commonwealth’s Attorneys, who have the discretion to amend an offense from reckless driving to improper driving. It is also within the judge’s discretion whether to change a conviction from Class 1 misdemeanor to a traffic infraction.
Attorneys may advocate on behalf of their clients by presenting evidence of mitigating circumstances which lessen their client’s culpability, as well as relevant information from their client’s driving records.