Thaxton pleaded no contest to the second-degree misdemeanor. He was penalized with a maximum $750 fine; 90 days of jail, all of which were suspended; two years probation with 30 days of electronic monitoring; 200 hours of community service, and two years of driver’s license suspension.
She could have served up to six months in jail.
An additional charge of vehicular homicide was filed, but that was dismissed after Thaxton pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
The crash on July 17 also seriously injured a 13-year-old boy who was a passenger on the motorcycle. Both the boy and Howell were ejected from the bike. Howell was not wearing a helmet.
The speed of Howell’s motorcycle was not indicated in court records, but the posted speed limit is 55 mph. The van was traveling about 10 mph.
An 8-year-old passenger in Thaxton’s van sustained serious injuries. A second 8-year-old passenger and Thaxton sustained minor injuries.
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