It happens all the time
I have heard the comment “It happens all the time” and yes it does. As a matter of fact it happens every 20 minutes. Every 20 minutes someone dies because of driving drunk.
So why is the case of Gerald Morelock any different than these other people that became the victim of a DUI? Because it happened at the hands of Billy Lane a well known chopper builder? Because it happened in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida? Well, I suppose all of these build into the equation, but I am not so sure that is the very reason.
I think the thing that bothers me, and others, the most here is the way that he (Billy) has chose to ignore what happened. I guess it appears that by doing so, he has chose to ignore those who made him well known. I have read other articles that use the word “famous” to describe Lane. In reality he is not so famous. I think that the word “noted” better describes Billy Lane as far as the world goes. He may be famous in the world of motorcycles and enthusiast, but it stops there.
Billy Lane was scheduled to appear in court yesterday on November 9th for pretrial or docket sounding. DOCKET SOUNDING is the last effort of the Judge and the attorneys involved to schedule specific days and times for trials just prior to the beginning of the trial docket. Lane was not present because he filed a waiver of appearance through his criminal attorney Kepler Funk. The criminal case against Billy Lane is now set for yet another docket sounding on February 2, 2007.
So, there is going to be a bit of time spread in the criminal DUI Manslaughter case that faces Billy Lane. Will this help us to forget it? No. I think not. At least not for me. I intend to watch this one through until justice has been served. To many this raises another topic all together, one that I will not address other than to say that it is the way this country is run. The system may have many flaws, but it is ours to live with. This case will be heard and as Americans we will have to abide by what is written and what the jury decides.
It looks as though the defense attorneys in the civil case against lane for the wrongful death of Gerald Morelock have chosen to take advantage of the stall in the criminal procedure by filing a motion for speedy trial. That is not a bad thing, yet, I can’t help but think that it will be somewhat effected by the delay in evidence and discovery in the criminal case. It will certainly make the investigators have to work a bit harder to obtain evidence on their own.
While the two cases certainly have no bearing on one another by way of outcome, the civil trial attorneys can use evidence that would not be admissible in the criminal case. I will also be looking for the response from the defense that is due in by the 12th of this month.
In closing I’d like to leave you with a quote:
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
Aldous Huxley
Sources:
STEPS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS
Related Posts:
November 10th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
I just have to say, Mr. Lane isn’t really “avoiding or ignoring” what happened. 1- I have commented to many before that if I was the one who had killed Mr. Morelock, this would be a little blurb in the paper & most would never know about it.
Now to say Mr. Lane is denying what he did because he didn’t have a press conference or offer apologies to the family or whatever, again, what “normal” person does that? Again, if it were me or anyone else, especially once you are in the hands of lawyers, you would not be making public statements of apology which would hurt your not guilty plea.
I do not want to come off as choosing sides. The fact there is a man dead is a tragedy.
However, it seems as though many feel that because it was Billy Lane, he is just supposed to say, I am sorry, I did it, now lock me up & throw away the key.
& again, if it wasn’t a famous or noted person involved, they would be able to go about this thing, just the same way Billy Lane is & no one would even know about it, because again, no one, other then the families involved, would care.
November 10th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Brett,
Let’s take a look at the public comments that have been made by Billy Lane’s attorney
“Physically, he’s trying to recover and mentally, it’s rough. It’s been horrifically stressful to go through,” said criminal defense Attorney Kepler Funk.
Lane’s attorney, Kepler Funk, said he has been in contact with the state’s attorney’s office and looks forward to resolving the case.
“The most important thing to remember is that a human being died in this accident and it’s a tragedy that Mr. Lane feels every day,” Funk said.
and released by Choppers Inc.
Choppers Inc. released a statement on Lane’s behalf saying:
“We first want to say that we extend our sincere sympathy to Mr. Morelocks family. Mr. Lane also was injured in the accident, but will cooperate fully in the pending investigation as he recovers.”
I don’t think anyone expects him to simply do as you have said. At the same time it is not right to see him act as though he is above the law. Neither have I seen any remorse in his face or actions.
Many claim how “he” must feel, I just don’t see it. But that is only something that would be known by Billy himself.
We will see, in time, as this unfolds. Thanks for your thoughts and comments.
December 11th, 2006 at 10:12 pm
MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF NOT EVERYBODY ELSE.
THE WORLD IS explicit removed UP TODAY BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS SO WORRIED
ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE. BE HAPPY IT WAS’NT YOU, AND LET IT GO………
December 11th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
Your point Tom?
By the way, please read about how to comment on this blog before posting again. Thanks for visiting.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
This wouldnt be the same gerry morelock related to Jim Morelock who lives up in Idaho. Jim is my dad rode in O.C California. Please do let me know. Thank you. L.A Morelock
November 20th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
L.A. Gerry was from Ohio and as far as I know his only brother is Byron. He also has a sister, but he may have relatives in Idaho.