Breaking News. Billy Lane Sentenced To 6 Years In Prison.

billylanesentencingThis morning a 9 a.m. Billy Lane was in court in Viera, Florida to hear sentencing regarding the vehicular homicide case in connection with a September 4, 2006 crash that left Gerald Morelock dead. (The Live Video of the full Court proceedings and sentencing was online in my Blog all morning).

As expected, defense lawyer Greg Eisenmenger asked for a non-incarcerating sentence and presented a list of witnesses, including Billy’s mother and father arguing that what happened was an isolated incident, that Billy is very remorseful, has radically changed his lifestyle and reached out to the Morelock’s family since the tragedy happened. Eisenmenger also presented videos of the charity work done by Billy during his motorcycle builder career and argued that the sentence decided must give some punishment but not to the point of incarceration because it would prevent Billy to continue helping others in the community and in the motorcycle industry.

billylanesentenceThen, a very emotional Billy Lane, choking back tears, talked to the judge to take full responsibility for what happened, for the death of Gerald Morelock, saying that except reaching out to the Morelock family and continuing charity work, unfortunately there was nothing he could do. He also talked about his pain when he drove every day through the place where the accident happened. Billy said “I’m not looking for pity on myself. I pray to God for his soul and for his family.”

After a 20 minutes recess, Circuit Judge Robert Burger announced sentencing. 6 years in prison followed by 3 years of probation, his drivers license suspended for life, a 10-day DUI level 1 course (that Billy already completed), to attend a Victims Awareness Panel, and also ordered Lane to undergo random drug and alcohol testing upon his release from prison. Billy Lane was immediately handcuffed and escorted from the courtroom. Billy Lane, 39, faced up to nine years in prison. He has 30 days to appeal this sentencing.

On a personal note I will only say again that at some point in our lives, we all make mistakes with more or less consequence. Billy made a bad decision on September 4, 2006, and he cannot take it back. Billy, his friends, family & Gerald Morelock’s friends & family will all have to live with this tragedy for the rest of their lives. Public image can be quite different from reality and many of you are wrong about their perception of who the real Billy is. I consider Billy a brother of my industry, a fellow builder, and I am convinced that as soon as it will be possible for him to do so, Billy will act proactively to turn the lesson of this tragedy into a positive message for others. My thoughts to the Morelock & Lane families. Billy, I stand by you like you would stand for us. When you get out we will welcome you back in the motorcycle industry. Cyril.

114 Responses to “Breaking News. Billy Lane Sentenced To 6 Years In Prison.”


  1. 1 Jeff Nicklus Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:52 am

    WOW!

    6 years is much more than I thought he would get! I predicted a 2 year jail term, 5 yrs probation and some community service …. I was way, way off! At least it is over now and everyone can move on!

    I wish all concerned well.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  2. 2 Carmen In Texas Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Wow…guess thats what happens when you have money and are in the public eye. That sucks….sorry to hear he got so much time….

  3. 3 Chopper Kid Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:03 am

    I don’t know about the drivers license suspended for life. I would rather have a few more years than that stipulation. The whole thing really sucks(meaning the accident and overall situation). I think of him as one of the greatest bike builders. Miss Behavin is one of my all time favorite bikes and I really liked all the stuff he did in the early Horse issues. Doing time will suck but 6 will go by but 20 -40 years without a license depending on how long he lives, I don’t know about that.

  4. 4 Steve Carr Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:05 am

    There are no winners here, He has to do time, if he were let off with any less, it would send the wrong example to the masses.

    But dont think for one minute he will serve 6 yrs, He is not a bad guy, he just made a mistake, although a huge mistake, it was just that, a mistake, and it cost him, as it would any one of us that makes that same mistake.

    None of us are immune to making mistakes, or even accidents, we are all just human and we learn from our mistakes, well most of us do anyway. We all have done similar things in the past, the difference is, well, but by the grace of god, nothing bad happened to us like what happend to Billy.

    I wish Billy the best, I dont know him personally, and I am not judging him what so ever. Remove the aspect of the name “Billy Lane” and insert “John Doe”, the outcome would be the same.

    Steve Carr

  5. 5 Mike Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Cyril is wrong on this one when he says…. “you are wrong about Billy”.

    It’s got NOTHING to do with whether he’s a nice guy who helps old ladies cross the street and gives money to disabled kids… it’s got everything to do with paying a debt to society for committing a crime.

    Billy f*cked up, BIG time. I feel bad that he will spend 6 years in jail for it, but I feel even more bad for Gerald Morelock’s family. They lost him forever. And for what? Because Billy Lane wasn’t smart enough not to drive recklessly when he was absolutely shitfaced.

    It’s a sad situation all around but if Billy Lane is really remorseful he will do his time like a man knowing that even 6 years in jail is nothing compared to being killed which is permanent.

    He will probably get out sooner than 6 years, I’m sure.

    The point of prison is not just to change the attitude of genuinely mean people who “deserve” to be there. It’s to punish good people and bad people and ambivalent people for the crimes they commit.

    I hope some folks will learn a lesson here. The comments I’ve heard that “it could have been any one of us in Lane’s shoes” are absolutely disgusting. How about this… if you get shitfaced, don’t drive! That’s what I do and I’ve had a 100% success race in not killing people. It works.

  6. 6 FUJI Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am

    I didn’t expect the term to be for 6 years but so it be.
    The state, FLORIDA judicial system has taken a tougher stance of lat e on wrongfull deaths because of dui at least in my area.

    I’am not going to judge but that could have been me as I reflect back over the years.

    Today i found a new/ differant respect for Billy that I didn’t have before
    He proved to me that he could stand up like a man and take what was handed to him..

    A somber and sober day for us all.

    JUST KEEP YOUR TRAIN ON TRACK.!

  7. 7 Steve Kelly Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:19 am

    Mike,

    Can you really, hand on heart think of no time that you have ever done something wrong, or made a bad judgement call? Can you really cast the first stone?

  8. 8 BD Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:20 am

    Wow and the football player gets 30 days in Florida for killing a man while driving drunk!!! Goes to show that an athlete with millions can get away with “murder” but an average citizen or biker will pay the price for his mistakes every time. Justice has been served?????

  9. 9 Huggie Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:22 am

    Cyril,
    The judge said Billy had 30 days to appeal. Do you think he will do that?
    You normally don’t pull the entire sentence they give you. When is the earliest you think he will be out?
    This was a harsh sentence compared to those I have seen where I live in Virginia.

  10. 10 dumbassbiker.com squiggy Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I agree with Mike above, I have met Billy and if you wern’t a hot chick with big t*ts he dismissed you, even though we sold his parts, I remember the Cinncitti dealers show when he had his booth with the crows nest where he would take chicks up to, young dumb and full of c%m we all are at times, but we grow up. Do the crime and do the time, a dude is left dead,, no different then shooting him dead. Nobody deserves to die like that, and you can be the best person in the world and do something bad, He made the wrong desicion as we all do in life, he got what our justice system felt was fair.

  11. 11 Attila Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Opinions aside, after what duration would Billy be eligible for parole?

  12. 12 Mike Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Steve,

    On the level of what Billy did? Honestly, no I have never done that.

    I’ve driven faster than the speed limit. I’ve burned rubber from a stop, etc. But I’ve never driven drunk, and I’ve never even “almost” caused an accident in my cars or on my bikes.

    And I’ve certainly never combined the two.

    I absolutely do not at all think this was just bad luck. Most people out there don’t go to jail for DUI manslaughter because most people know that if you are really drunk, then you don’t drive. And if you have a few beers and decide to drive, you drive very carefully and you make sure you don’t speed or tailgate and you sure as hell don’t try to pass on a single lane road with oncoming traffic.

    That’s not a mistake, that’s just being dumb. And it’s not fair that Morelock died due to someone else’s stupidity. And prison is justified – just like it is for the guy who causes the death of a kid because he wanted a mean nasty pit bull and one day it attacked and killed someone.

    We are all responisble for our actions, and while I am not perfect, I don’t believe I have ever engaged in actions that would put me in prison for years if they went wrong.

    Make no mistake, I take NO pleasure in BIlly Lane going to jail. It’s sad and he will have this on his conscience for the rest of his life. Plus, being in the public eye, he really can’t say “screw it” and drive or ride again. How can you be a bike builder who isn’t legally allowed to ride? I feel bad for him… he didn’t intend for this to happen and I’m sure he would give everything to change it. But remorse after the fact doesn’t change what happened. The time to smarten up was during all the previous times he drank and drove or rode and laughed about it and even flaunted it. He took a big gamble and paid the price. Just not as high a price as Morelock paid.

    Sad, yes, but he has nobody to blame but himself.

  13. 13 FUJI Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:36 am

    MIKE SAYS…….”I hope some folks will learn a lesson here. The comments I’ve heard that it could have been any one of us in Lane’s shoes are absolutely disgusting. How about this… if you get shitfaced, don’t drive! That’s what I do and I’ve had a 100% success race in not killing people. It works.”

    Great comment..

    Just explain to me how one makes a rational decision when they are under the influance?
    Many people make mistakes/WIERD COMMENTS when they’re not under any form of mind altering substances.

    My question is just how do you do it so i can explain it to the masses?

    It would be great to have you for a friend. You Sound like large fun. LOL

  14. 14 Jeff Nicklus Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Mike,

    I think what Steve is saying is that “there by the Grace of God go I” ….. we have all fucked up and anyone who tells you different is either Jesus Christ or a liar. Some of us fuck up on a lesser level some on a larger level. You do not drink and drive ….. good for you …. neither do I, however, God forbid you or I or anyone else could be a victim of a drunk driver …. then where would you be?

    Billy fucked up and now he will pay for it. I have known Billy for over 15 years and I like him and I believe Billy is a good person deep down inside. I am sure this has torn at his heart everyday and I have no doubt that if he could turn the situation around he would do so in a heart beat. Don’t get me wrong, Billy deserves what he has received and I agree with Steve that he will not do 6 years total …. I expect he will be paroled to his probation in 2-3 years and that is only fair.

    Again, I wish all well in this matter and hopefully everyone can rest easier tonight.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  15. 15 Tom M Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:40 am

    What I will never understand is the disparity in the sentences given out in Florida courts. Donte Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns recently struck and killed a pedestrian while DUI, and he was sentenced to 30 days, and served only 26 of those. Now Billy is sentenced to 6 years for essentially the same crime. I won’t get into which sentence is just or appropriate, but fair should always be fair. Good Luck, Billy.

  16. 16 dirtydave Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    BD,

    ….hand on heart…. I have made many, many mistakes and drove drunk for years… I am clean and sober almost 10 years now…. I can truly thank God that I never killed anyone…. it is not ok to drive drunk…. it is not a mistake… it’s a selfish choice that endangers our fellows…. for many, it is a pattern…. it really happens…. every day…. people kill people when they drive drunk….. that is just not ok…..
    I have always admired Billy’s work… but alcohol got the best of him and then he is just another man with a bottle….. the illness of addiction/abuse/drinking and driving knows no bounds….

    …if Billy does 6 years, 16 years or however many…. he still gets out, has a life, gets to make love, watch a sunset, have a family, enjoy his life, etc…. what about the guy he killed???

    ….sending a harsh message that drinking and driving are not ok seems more than reasonable to me….

    dd

  17. 17 Steve Carr Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:46 am

    Mike,

    Sounds like you are basiclly saying the same thing I said, just using different words. Thanks for agreeing with my basic thoughts on this.

    “We all have done similar things in the past, the difference is, well, but by the grace of god, nothing bad happened to us like what happend to Billy.”

    does not mean the same as Billy, it means just what I said.

    Steve Carr

  18. 18 Seymour Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am

    I am grateful that it is not me, and I will do everything that I can to not end up in a similar situation.

  19. 19 Dave Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    I have heard a statistic- don’t know if it’s accurate- that a peron gets “caught” driving under then influence about 1 out of 200 times. From my experience, that’s fairly accurate. Luckily, I learned my lesson without anybody dying- tore up a few machines though.
    I beleive the best lesson is don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to make importatnt decisions when you’re under the influence. The decison to drive under the influence should be made well in advance of the drinking- that’s very easy to say and not always so easy to do.
    I learned my lesson from my small mistakes and the bigger mistakes that I saw others make.
    Maybe, Billy Lane’s best contribution will that others will learn from his mistake.
    A 6 year sentence certatinly drives the point home.

  20. 20 Jeremy Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    Thank y0u Cyril for letting us see the proceedings live on your blog. You do excellent un-biased reporting and get all the scoops. I hope that now everybody understand better how our legal system works or doesn’t work, depending of your opinion on this case. Sad day.

  21. 21 Mike Greenwald Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    If any of us are to cast stones toward Billy Lane on this, remember that Gerald Morelock was also found to be DUI in this case. Sobering thought for you, I suppose.

  22. 22 David Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    This is a good wake up call for everyone! Billy needs to do his time what ever it ends up being and he will never be able to put this to rest.That is my freinds a LIFE sentence.I hope he doesn’t end up back in the bottle. He’ll have lots of time to write a new book and design new bikes (if they let you have pencil and paper).

    Over and Over; David

  23. 23 Shifter Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    Sad, sad, sad. Even more seeing it live. One death + Billy being handcuffed and taken to prison. Life is a bitch.

  24. 24 Jim C Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    Damn shame-all the way around. Billy is very talented and he threw it away and will never be the same. The same goes for the Morelock family. They will never be the same. Like I said,it is a damn shame all the way around but it happens all the time. Hopefully the next person who is intoxicated will think of this situation and decide to call a cab or a friend before getting behind the wheel. That is abvout the only positive thing that relates to this situation.

  25. 25 LORI Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    YES ITS SAD TO ALL I HATE TO SEE IT HAPPEN TO ANYONE DEATH LOSSS OF A LOVED ONE THE WHOLE THING WOW!! JUST TO TLET THE FAMILY OF BOTH THOUGHTS ARE WITH NOW AND ALWAYS AND YES BILLY IS THE GREATEST BIKE BUILDER I HAVE EVER KNOWN KEEP ROCKN IT BILLY 6 YRS YOU HAVE TIME TO DRAW YOUR BIKES OUT AND YOULL COME OUT WITH A BASTED TO IM SURE

  26. 26 Colleen Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Cyril, thanks for broadcasting this. I felt if I were there. A valuable resource to us all.

    I know Billy and I like him. It doesn’t change the fact that what he did was awful and I felt he deserved punishment, even Billy agreed with that. 6 years is more than I had expected, far more than I had hoped for and I am deeply saddened by the court’s decision. Moreover, the worst part of the sentence was the revocation of his license for life. How bad is it for biker to not know the feel of the road. I expect Billy to serve his 6 years, observe his 3 years probation and then move out of the states. I know that is what I would do.

    Billy, let me know when you are a cabana boy in Mexico so I can come and ride with you.

    It is a very sad day for us all. No matter what he did, no matter what opinion you have, no matter what the court’s decision, Billy is still our brother and we have to stand by him. He would do it for us.

  27. 27 BikerDATA Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    I believe and hope Billy wiill do his sentance like a man and after watching him address the court today, I believe he is truely sorry and everything he said was from his heart and true remorse.

    I think his lawyer sucked and was not prepared to address the court. The guy was fumbling his words and had no confidence in his speech. I would not hire that guy for a parking ticket.

  28. 28 hoyt Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Fuji: “Just explain to me how one makes a rational decision when they are under the influence?”

    Therein lies a major culprit to the ongoing tragedy of DUI.

    As Dave mentioned, it has to start before the “under the influence” occurs.

    As you reach your hand for the *first* glass, make the decision right there….
    “who is driving?” Otherwise, judgment is skewed and the result could be deadly.

    The lifetime driving suspension should be appealed. A lengthy suspension is justified, but lifetime?

    Stay well

  29. 29 miked Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    well, stuff does happen but KILL A BIKER GO TO JAIL applys to bikers too, even celebrity bikers. if it was just another cage driver we’d ALL be shoutin off with his head!
    Billy stretched this out as long as he could and now it’s time to pay the piper, I do think he’ll appeal and wait for a better shot but I do believe he got his due. Not only did he kill a biker drunk driving in a free truck etc… but it was not an isolated incident. he was driving on a suspended license pending another trial for drunk driving!

  30. 30 dirtydave Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Mike Greenwald,

    I did not know that and it certainly puts an interesting twist on the case…. however, I still stick to the “law of cause and effect” ……I am not one to cast stones or to sit in judgement, but I kow a thing or two on this subject….. the first thing that is effected when we drink is our judgement…. my real message here is this: we should all know this!!…. if you are out drinking and driving as a pattern (or ever) you are playing with fire and you have a problem that needs to be solved… not ignored or justifed….. if it is your lifestyle to put others at risk… you are being selfish and playing with others lives…. period. If you hang around the barber shop for long enough… you just might get a hair cut!

    Did Billy make a mistake on that praticular day… or did his ongoing bad choice of drinking and driving finally catch up to him??? …maybe the guy who died too??? …I don’t know the details, but I’m REAL positive that we shouldn’t be DUI no matter what….

  31. 31 bikerbabe69tn Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    He actually got off quite easy compared to some other Florida cases-I know a girl that got killed by a guy that wasn’t drunk and had no priors but speeding tickets.He was a 23 yo kid and he got 15 years for the same charge without intoxication.Billy got what was coming to him for being irresponsible,PERIOD.People need to take the most dangerous thing we all do on a daily basis more seriously,celebrity or not.Hopefully this will serve as a wake up call to people to stop driving like assholes!!!!!!!We almost got killed the other day because some asswipe was in a rush and crossed a double yellow just like Billy did.There is nothing more despicable than that act.People trust in others to act civilized and let them be safe and along come Joe Roid Rage or Suzy Soccer Mom so busy that they’d rather kill or maim than calm down a little.They should make crossing a double yellow a felony whether or not there is an accident.Loss of driving priviledges for 5 years and a 10k dollar fine.Anyone who drives like that is an absolutely disgusting individual and should’nt be allowed to drive at all ever.Billy won’t be.So wake up out there and treat others as you want to be treated! How hard is that to figure out?????

  32. 32 Pete Giarrusso Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    I have known billy for about the 10 years I have been a bike builder. Who he is no one who didn’t know him personally would ever guess. Great guy, no ego, thinks more of others than himself… What he did is awful, and the sentence is fair… My thoughts are with you Billy… do your deal and you will come out a better man!!

    Pete G

  33. 33 Curt! Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    I had a comment in mind, but Mike basically said what I had in mind. I have been in the condition of driving while toasted. I’ve never had a wreck or injured anyone while under the influence. I would hope that I’d have the balls to do the time if a situation like Billy’s arose in my life. I will have a lot more respect for him if he does the time and comes out, probably in 2 1/2 years with a new purpose in life. I think he may have found that purpose already and hopefully will expand on that. I think the worst aspect of the sentence is the loss of driving privileges for life. That really sucks.

  34. 34 Grayhawk Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

    The loss of license to drive for life may not be dictated by the manslaughter charge/sentencing as in some states when you have multible DUI’s and/or another DUI on a suspended license that state law may dictate loss of license as a stand alone mandate of conviction irregardless of the sentencing length of time or not.

    I do not know Florida statutes???

    Grayhawk

  35. 35 Boss Hawg Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    Take a look at Billy’s driving record just in Brevard County and maybe some of you will formulate another opinion or or strengthen the one you have have.

  36. 36 Julie Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Sounds like the prosecutor is up for re-election. This is bogus and an appeal should be filed immediately. Life-time suspension of license? That’s WAY out of line. Drug and alcohol rehab yes. This was an accident, he’s paid restitiution, shown remorse. He should have gotten half-way house with work-release and suspension of license for the term of sentence. Prosecutor is using him as a resume builder. What an a-hole.

  37. 37 bigalyts Aug 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    A couple of Things, Guys. As everyone of you Jerk offs have Driven Drunk. If you said No, You are full of Shit ! If you drank 3 Beers in 2 Hours you would Blow on a Stomach with Peanuts in it .8-1.0. That aien’t even DRINKING ! Big Fucking Difference commiting a Crime in Dade County and commiting one up in St Lucie County and all those Northern 2 County’s North. That’s the FuckingTruth. Billy Was Raised in Dade County and He wanted to Go North to where the “HATERS” are. He should have stayed in Dade. The Problem why thy HUNG Billy is that hey want to send a Message about Driving on a Suspended Licence. They also wanted to send a message about 2 DUI’s . He got it up the ASS ! Look at that Attorney, what a Shame He didn’t hire a Real Attorney .A Jewish one instead of the Irish, German looking Dood! Ride Safe and Sober! The” Alternatives” got the Message. Just for today!

  38. 38 Ron Aug 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    I have no problem with the sentence; my initial reaction was that it was a little lenient. The harsh truth was that Billy was completely intoxicated and was already on suspension for another DUI. I was thinking this morning on my way to work, why does it seem that so many celebrities get away with stuff, because when I do anything wrong I seem to get the book thrown at me? I guess this answers my question in that, in some states anyway, they don’t.

    I actually feel sorry for Billy (more so for the family of the victim obviously) the reason being, where were his friends? Was there no one to gently remind him that maybe now wasn’t the best time to get behind the wheel, to offer to drive instead, or to get him a cab (he could enjoy himself more easily with the young lady he was trying to impress)? Or at this point in his career had his ego simply got to the point where he wasn’t listening to anybody? If you don’t have friends, family, if you can’t talk, listen, share experiences then what is the point? The direction I am heading in with these statements is that there is much talk about how Billy has changed his ways. The real test of the situation will be what he does when he gets out of prison, will he continue with his new habits or will he return to his wild and crazy past?

    This is perhaps an odd point to end on but in the UK (yes I am English) there is some leniency in regard to your offence and your job. Billy makes his living (and don’t forget all those donations to charity) from the auto industry, ok chopper industry. And how can he really continue doing that without his driving license? The lifetime license ban seemed a little ridiculous, maybe there should have been more stipulations, say he would have to retake his test, any future tickets would have triple fines, another DUI would mean life in prison, I don’t have the answer to this but what is he going to do now, turn up to events in the ‘bitch’ seat?

    This whole thing is sad, I really like Billy’s bikes (mis’behavin and what used to be the camel bike are two of my all time favs) even though at times I thought he was bit of a pratt, but everybody does deserve a little forgiveness. What is going to be harder to rebuild is the reputation of the bike industry itself as it had finally got a level of acceptance not seen before, which was also backed up by industry sponsorship, and bikers in general were getting a little more respect.

  39. 39 Bill Siemer Aug 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    Justice in America. Last week an NFL player was convicted of DUI manslaughter. 30 days in the hole, 5 years lost license, restitution to the family. Makes you wonder.

  40. 40 Ron Aug 14th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    “Last week an NFL player was convicted of DUI manslaughter. 30 days in the hole, 5 years lost license…” its this stuff that drives me mad.

  41. 41 Jack Aug 14th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    The “NFL player” hit a drunk pedestrian that stepped out from between 2 cars right into the path of Donte Stallworth. The guy was jaywalking while drunk, and any sober person would have hit him in that same scenario. Bad timing on Stallworth’s part. He was drunk though and faced the consequences.

    Billy already had a dui pending, countless tickets and was passing in a no passing lane. Just showing some differences for reference. Flame on if you want.

    Decisions don’t always make sense. Maybe this judge didn’t like how Billy tried to avoid the trial thru the years and tied the courts up with his lawyers antics. Who knows. Bottom line is that Billy’s stalling is over and he is in jail. Maybe he’ll get out as the industry is soaring again and he’ll be the bad boy hero for some of you.

    Question: Can you get a DL in a different state if you lose it in Florida? If so can you drive with it in Florida after such a sentencing?

  42. 42 WGS Aug 14th, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    No winners! I am sorry this happened.

  43. 43 Necy Aug 14th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I’m truly sorry for all the families who have lost loved ones of DUI, my prayers are with you. However, this truly makes me very angry! Sport figures, celebrities, famous people get off easy for all types of crimes including DUI, even getting reinstatement of their careers. Billy really knows and has acknowledged his horrible mistake that he will live with the rest of his life.

    What is wrong with our Justice system?

  44. 44 jib jab Aug 14th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    my comment was taken off this site because i stated the truth. boss hoss has it right. so many of you want to feel sorry for billy but he killed someone. how about the victims family? does anyone feel sorry for them?

  45. 45 just curious Aug 14th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    I thought Billy Lane had plead guilty? And if he did, what is there to appeal? He had to of agreed with everything prior to this day, except maybe the amount of time served. But from what I was told in florida if convicted on the charges he was charged with, Billy would have recieved manditory 10 years with no parole at a minimum and could have served upwards of twenty years . If that is the case and I am no attorney so I don’t know for sure it is. But if that is the case he got more than a fair sentence. I do know that if he gets time served and good behavior time he could serve as little as two years. Seems more than fair for a life of a human being. The only thing I see a problem with is the loss of driving privelages for life. That seems excessive but again he accepted those terms, so I am not sure he can appeal on that at this point. Maybe a florida attorney could let us all know what he can and can’t appeal. And what the out come may be if appealed. One last thing for those saying Billy’s sentence was not fair because some NFL player got off easy. Get real that player should have gotten more time for sure, but Billy got a fair deal. I think justice was served but there are no winners.

  46. 46 John E Adams Aug 14th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    No winners is right and I do believe the weight Billy will carry on his shoulders for the rest of his life will be much heavier than the six years he is about to do.

  47. 47 09 Indian Rider Aug 14th, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    jib jab
    I’m going to say of course there is sorrow out there for the victims family.
    And I’m going to say no matter what type of person we imagine or know billy Lane to be there is serious sorrow in his heart.
    Sorrow for what his actions caused–and sorrow for what his actions took away.
    Probably been there since the minute that happened.
    Me?
    No saint here.
    Won’t lie and say when I was younger I din’t get a little ripped and ride or drive.
    I will say I was one lucky SOB to not have been standing where Billy Lane is standing right now.

  48. 48 Jenna Aug 14th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Cyril It was incredible to see live this morning Billy in court waiting to be sentenced. Thank you for the fair reporting you always did. I think that giving the opportunity to people to see live Billy in court taking responsibility for his actions has the merit to have changed the mind of many haters about his deep personality. I am sure that this tragedy has made many more bikers following this case more aware of the danger of drinking and driving. So, there is some positive in this tragedy.

  49. 49 Brett Aug 14th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    Just Curious, Billy made a plea agreement, but the sentence was never part of it because that was up to the judge today. The DA wanted 9 years.

    One thing Billy should be thinking about is the time this took. If he would have had this sentence when all this started he’d probably be out now. Yes, he got sentenced to 6 years, but chances are he gets out early. If he is not causing problems, jails are at maximum whether they are prisons or county jail. If someone is able to get out, they do what they can to get them out. Usually they have 15 new inmates a day or more.

    Billy & Amy need to stay strong. They have many good years when he gets out. There is alot of life left to live in their future.

    It was also nice to see Bill Dodge, ex- West Coast Chopper & now Bling’s Cycles, sitting right behind Billy to give his support for a good friend. No matter how you people feel, Billy is still a person & real friends stand by their friends in hard times.

    I also like Cyrill’s comments. It is very easy to pile on & kick someone when they are down….but it shows the type of person you are to stand by someone. Yes, what happened was a horrible thing, but like Cyrill said, Billy made a major mistake & used poor judgement. Now he is paying & deserves his 2nd chance afterwards.

    The problem with saying we shouldn’t compare Billy to an NFL player is wrong because athletes keep committing crimes & being let off with a slap on the hands. Before Stallworth, there was Leonard Little. He was driving drunk, ran a red light & hit another car killing the female driver. He spent 1 week in jail, got 5 years probation & then when the probation was over, he had the felony removed from his record. 1 week after the felony was removed, he goes out & gets a DUI, but because his record was cleared, they couldn’t use the DUI manslaughter against him with the new DUI.

    I guess athletes need to kill dogs to get real time because people don’t matter in their cases.

  50. 50 dan from pa Aug 14th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    Sorry to hear about the six years. Stallworth just got 30 days for a simular situation. Doesn’t seem fair mostly because Billy was doing a lot of good educating people about the consequences of his actions. He is a good guy and he will prevail. God Speed Billy!!!

  51. 51 Jacob Hessel Aug 14th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    We have to admire the manner in which Billy conducted himself today. Despite what occured, Billy has shown himself to be a sincere individual throughout this whole horrible ordeal (over the past almost three years now). My heart goes out to him and to the family of Mr. Morelock.

  52. 52 Todd8080 Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    I agree that DUI manslaughter isn’t a “mistake” that “any one of us” could make. Lane’s not the victim here, he made a series of conscious choices that ended in catastrophe, the first being to drive drunk.

    I’m sorry Gerry Morelock’s dead and I’m sorry Billy Lane is going to prison, but I’ve been hit twice while riding by drunk lightrunners and have no sympathy for anyone who drives impaired.

    Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.

  53. 53 mike corbin Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    I like Billy,
    he is a young guy with a nice energy..
    Billy made a mistake, could have happened to me…
    Billy did not wake up in the morning wishing any body harm..
    he did just dekcuf up, and that killed a guy..
    Many folks like me can learn from this trajety..
    I know Billy will come through a better man…
    Any we all will welcome him back into our industry…
    Ride Well, Billy,,,
    Mike Corbin..

  54. 54 Dick Gazinia Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    The myopia, first-person perspective, armchair-attorney postulating and rationales expressed in the responses to this Cyril Huze news scoop are stupifying to the extreme.

    Billy’s purported attitude toward customers (professional, respectful or otherwise), membership in the fraternity of bikers, celebrity/infamy/notriety, or past track record for similar ilegal behavior should have NO bearing on the court’s decision in this matter.

    I have built some motorcycles, I have friends who know Billy Lane and my family lives in the Sunshine State. If I were the judge or on the jury in this case, I would have thrown the book at Mr. Lane.

    Billy didn’t make a mistake, he made a choice.

    In case anyone has forgotten, he chose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated twice over the legal limit, and to do so in a reckless and dangerous manner with no regard for his safey, for the safety of his passenger, or for the safety of anyone around him. A human being died because of his recklessness and stupidity, and I will be surprised if he remains in prison for any longer than MIchael Vick. And lest anyone has forgotten about the latter gentlemen’s transgressions, he tortured and killed defenseless animals.

    I think drunken murderers and animal torturers should be given life sentences. If the prisons are too crowded for that, let’s legalize marijauna and release enough first-time drug offenders on possession arrests to make room for people like Lane and Vick.

  55. 55 Dunnster Aug 15th, 2009 at 12:14 am

    One (probably stupid) question about the lifetime driver’s license ban…

    Couldn’t Mr. Lane simply move to another state after his parole is finished and get a license there? Or do the States have some sort of reciprocal agreement for these situations?

  56. 56 Rodent Aug 15th, 2009 at 7:39 am

    The NFL is more important than some biker. Ask the dog murdering scumbag Michael Vick!

  57. 57 Cade Aug 15th, 2009 at 7:41 am

    Make your decision before you take that first drink. I said FIRST.

  58. 58 Brett Aug 15th, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Just to point out to a few of you, if you listen to the judge, he went through Billy’s record. He HAS NO OTHER DUI’s. The only other one he ever had pending was thrown out. & no matter how you feel, he plead to VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER….no DUI is involved with that plea. Donte Stallworth plead guilty to DUI Manslaughter….so they plead guilty to 2 different charges & the one Stallworth plead to should come with a stiffer penalty.

    As far as his attitude, I can only speak for myself, but I was a customer many times long before this buying parts. I never had any issues with him or anyone working for him. One item in particular was a tag light. It came with a bulb no one around me carries. After many attempts to find one, I e-mailed his shop. They sent me what ended up being about a lifetime’s worth of the bulbs for this light.

    I have also met him in Sturgis in 2007 & the Smokeout in 2004. He was a great guy both times & the Smokeout in 2004 was at the height of his TV popularity. I think people complaining about his attitude are the unrealistic ones who think he would remember every face he sees & is going to greet you with a huge hug every time he sees you. Then they get all pissed when he doesn’t have time to take every single picture or sign his name on every piece of paper.

    Umm, now to this ridiculous comment about “Fraternity of Bikers”. I have also seen in a thread about Steven Tyler someone bitching that Tyler was “Let In” the motorcycle industry. You people are funny as hell. Sorry to let you in on something, but this isn’t the 1950’s anymore. This brotherhood everyone tries to speak of doesn’t exist. It died long ago when Harley got every person who dreamed of owning a bike one at a high interest rate. When B builders like Billy, Jesse James, Indian Larry & all the others could sell bikes for $80,000 or more & have lists of people 500 names long just waiting to pay it so they could be the next actor or doctor with the new fad toy. When OCC can make millions of dollars selling just T-shirts & getting corporations to pay $150,000 so they can have a “Chopper” built to sit in their front office…….well the dream of some close knit biker brotherhood doesn’t exist.

    Which again is back to the whole brotherhood. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I live in Wisconsin & no matter how much they wish it wasn’t so, alcohol is part of the fabric of Wisconsin life. However, brotherhood is about sticking with a brother not only when he’s at the top, but when he has hit rock bottom. It was shown on the video when you can see Bill Dodge right behind Billy. I have ALWAYS took the side of what if Billy was my best friend or my brother? Kicking him when he’s down & constantly calling for life in prison. That doesn’t show brotherhood in the biker community. The worst part is, most of you doing this were probably cheering him when you saw him on TV facing Roger Bourget & then Dave Perewitz on the BBO.

  59. 59 J Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:02 am

    He got a better deal than Morelock did;

    End of story.

  60. 60 iowaharleygirl Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:12 am

    Wow…I’ve been a long time fan of Billy Lane’s work. It saddens me that his fame overtook him and he forgot what he was really put on earth for. He’s an amazing artist and hopefully after prison he can create art for others again. It really sucks that he’ll never ride again legally. I believe he got what he deserved because he killed a man but he was my builder hero so I still got a tear or two in my eyes when they cuffed him and took him away. Lesson learned…don’t drink and drive or ride!

  61. 61 AL GREEN Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Was Billy lane at fault….Yes!
    Did he deserve that sentence…No!
    They s**ewed him like they s**ewed other known bikers. Bikers will always be picked on because of a few Biker gangs. We pay our taxes, have benifit runs, Toys for Tots etc., it doesn’t matter. Maybe we should stop all of our good deeds as bikers. The drug dealers kill hundreds of people every year and serve less time. Our politicians are even worse! Hey, how many dogs did Micheal Vic kill…on purpose! How about the thought of letting a terrorist free because he’s dying of cancer?
    No…this is not my country anymore, I’m ashamed of it. I am a disabled Veteran who has served my country, was wounded in action and decorated for acts of bravery and I I can’t even get a fair shake from the Dept. of Veterans affairs…so nothing at this point in life surprises me. Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy etc. must be rolling over in their graves, from the disgrace America has become.

  62. 62 Cap'n Bill Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:21 am

    I’ve been sober for 16 years, so far. I hope that everyone will find healing from this tragedy…

  63. 63 Vette Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Thank you Cyril. I am glad you were able to let us in the courtroom. Again, another example of you keeping the all informed.

    My prayers go out for the families of both of these men.

  64. 64 Mike Greenwald Aug 15th, 2009 at 9:09 am

    Some folks are still trying Billy lane for an alcohol related charge.

    Conveniently forgetting that charge was dismissed against Billy and never brought forth against Gerald Morelock. Legally, the alcohol consumption is a non factor for both parties in this case.

    The operation of Morelock’s vehicle was never brought into question and, yet, if you research it, Morelock caused the unsafe situation by entering the roadway from the parking lot of the bar that he (Morelock) had been drinking at.

    Hard to swallow for those of you with bloodlust in your righteous, vindictive hearts. understand everything or nothing. if you shoot off your words without knowing the whole story, you have arrived at an erroneous conclusion.

  65. 65 BikerMarc Aug 15th, 2009 at 10:06 am

    My 2-cents:

    1.”Justice” in America- sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.

    Key ingredient is “CASH”.

    The better your team of lawyers the lighter your sentence. Its just da way it works. Sucks but reality so we need to deal with it.

    2. Please DON’T DRINK & DRIVE.

    3. Message to Billy-Real sad day for all involved. You have a great opportunity to turn this tragedy for good so let us know how we can help in that cause when you are ready.

    4. APPEAL is a must with a new legal team. GO WITH THE BIG LEGAL GUNS.

    5. Good Luck.

    BikerMarc

  66. 66 Mike Greenwald Aug 15th, 2009 at 10:06 am

    Will it change your hearts to know that in addition to Gerald Morelock being over the legal limit for alcohol in his bloodstream that there was also the presence of illegal drugs?

    If you are a naysayer, check the toxicology report.

  67. 67 Bob B Aug 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am

    I think Billy got what Billy deserved
    Sad to say buththe truth
    Bike builder or not.
    He had years of opportunity to set an example and be the man he should have been
    The spot light made him think he was a rock star.
    I am sure he is a great guy and a great friend but if the name Billy was not the word in the story we all would be happy a drunk driver who killed another person by the selfish and foolish life behavior habits got what he deserved.
    That being said, everyone can then be there in support when he finishes his time for support.

  68. 68 Anonomous Aug 15th, 2009 at 11:14 am

    i thought this day would never come. im 17 years old and at 14, was a witness of this accident and the horrible death of Gerald whom, i also knew! it has scarred my life forever. billy lane deserves what has been given to him….

  69. 69 Anonomous Aug 15th, 2009 at 11:16 am

    and just because billy lane has the title of being a “biker” doesnt mean anything. he killed someone, just like any other murderer, they all get what is given to them good or bad.

  70. 70 Rogue Aug 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    I am going to make some statements to clarify some of the issues here. I suspect they will upset some of you but they are facts. Shortly after that I will be writing my article for National Motorcycle Publications about what happened in court. Just for the record I was in Court and observed and heard something’s that were not on the video.

    First of all Gerald Morelock was Drunk and had Pot in his system when he pulled out on to A1A and Caused The Collision That Took His Life. This is fact and through some legal maneuvering by the prosecution this was not allowed to be discussed during the court proceedings. This does not excuse Billy from speeding and passing cars, But It Was Morelock who killed himself and Billy was the tool he used, and I am not saying he did it on purpose either BUT lets put the blame where it really belongs.

    Bill Lane has reached out to the Morelock Family since the incident and always has taken full responsibility for his actions face to face with the Morelock Family and they accepted that and were also in court to testify and request he not receive excessive time. The Morelock family has always known Gerald’s condition and actions on the night he died.

    Those of you that have critized Billy for not taking responsibility in the press prior to his court hearings are fools. There is a State Prosecutor Tom Brown who was looking to make a name for himself and using Billy as a means to do so. By stopping the information of Morelock being drunk and under the influence of pot and the fact he pulled out of a driveway into traffic, it was very clear to many how he was going to proceed with this case. If you are to have a fair trial then all the facts should be brought forward, not just the ones that are good for your side of the argument. The defense was not allowed to mention Morelock’s condition and or actions prior to the collision that took his life. Out of respect to the Morelock’s family Billy and his attorneys did not push that matter.

    The prosecutor kept referring to Billy as a celebrity and commented on other cases that received light sentences else where in the state and that it was sending the wrong message to people. I was aware a celebrity sports figure in South Florida Donte Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns had recently been sentenced to 30 days in jail and did 26 for a DUI that involved a death. When I questioned a law enforcement person from the area about it he mentioned that Stallworth was Black. It had never dawned on me prior to that statement that race could be an issue. I for one do not understand the big difference in sentencing. The law is a Florida State Law and Not A County Law, and again Gerald Morelock’s conditions and actions that lead to his death should definitely been brought out as they explain what really happened the night he died.

  71. 71 jeff & Robbie Aug 15th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Lane & Vick… both killers – humans & dogs. Got what they deserved!

  72. 72 Babs 2 Aug 15th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Driving and drinking have never been good choices. I know I have been there many times. I never killed anyone but I guess I was lucky. Too bad for Billy he should have been given a better plan for
    remorsement. Sitting in a cell for 6 years does not fix a thing.

  73. 73 nicker Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    Babs2
    Do you really think the objective here was to “fix” anything.

    RE:
    “…Sitting in a cell for 6 years does not fix a thing…”

    In any case, it seems to have “fixed” every one’s attention on drinking and driving not being such a hot idea.

    I’m sure as hell not gonna do it.
    How-bout-you???

    -nicker-

  74. 74 Huggie Aug 15th, 2009 at 11:14 pm

    Rogue,
    Billy is lucky to have a friend like you. I did not expect this to turn out the way it did. Compared to other cases, Billy got a tough sentence.
    Do you know if he will appeal?

  75. 75 Todd8080 Aug 16th, 2009 at 3:01 am

    If Gerry Morelock had been killed by a non-rider under the exact same circumstances, not a soul here would be pleading that cager’s case or screaming for leniency on their behalf.

    Logic dictates that those who ride should be MORE careful when driving a car or truck, simply because they [presumably] understand the consequences.

    There is no excuse, no plausible explanation for driving drunk and certainly none for crossing a double yellow line to pass. Those of you who claim to have done both numerous times without incident should seriously reevaluate your priorities.

    I’ve been a motorcyclist for 41 years and I ride the dangerous roads of Florida daily, in a much more populated area than Melbourne. And I know firsthand what happens when a drunk driver in a truck runs into a motorcycle.

  76. 76 Doc Robinson Aug 16th, 2009 at 4:10 am

    Thank you Rogue for presenting such a reasoned and accurate clarification statement. Billy Lane crucifiers on this blog would do well to take note.

  77. 77 Joe Aug 16th, 2009 at 6:43 am

    I wonder how all the Lane apologists would feel if their relative was the victim?

  78. 78 Claudia Aug 16th, 2009 at 7:50 am

    FYI – Florida law dictates that no less than 85% of a sentence be served. That’s 5 years, 1 month (or 2 depending on how the Dept. of Corrections rounds).

  79. 79 Patrick H. Aug 16th, 2009 at 8:20 am

    I think of a few things affecting negatively this case outcome. The judge could not ignore that at the time of the accident Billy was physically resisting a blood test, a proof of guilt. Then that lawyers challenged the blood test and asked for an other lab to re-test. When the new test came back Billy’s lawyer refused to use it, because I imagine same or even worse. Then the judge knew and accepted a plea bargain keeping in mind that Billy was drunk even if the DUI aspect was dropped. Then, the judge had access to Billy driving records. Could he “see”a previous “removed DUI in the Carolinas”? For sure, the judge saw that Billy has a bad record in Brevard County (a lot of speeding tickets and other infractions) and he made reference to it at sentencing. Is it right for the judge to keep all this in mind when he is sentencing? Don’t know. The question is, will he appeal? Don’t you need new tangible facts to have an appeal accepted? Don’t know for sure. I think the judge can have been very irritated by the defense strategy. I wonder if it would not have been better for the outcome to have Billy plea 3 years ago. To admit guilt right away is sometimes better. Just a few new thoughts.

  80. 80 Shifter Aug 16th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Free Billy Lane! and give him 1 year of community service.

  81. 81 squidlybob Aug 16th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    Rogue, You are a bigger pos than Billy.Lets blame the dead guy for a choice that Billy made. I hope Billy likes being “married” to the guy with the most cigarettes.

  82. 82 J Aug 17th, 2009 at 12:04 am

    Uh, Rogue, before you “write my article for National Motorcycle Publications about what happened in court.”, you may wish to consult a lawyer yourself before you go to press, because you appear to be very confused on several points:

    First, the level of imparement of Gerald Moreland was not relevent in this case, as correctly noted by the Court Had Gerald Moreland been passed out over a bush in his front yard at the time of impact, it would not be relevent in this case.

    This is a “fact”. It is called “Case Law”. It does not “upset” me.

    Second, the Donte Stallworth case is not comparible to the Lane case. Had this been Lanes’ first offense or run-in with the law while driving, Lane no doubt would have received a far less punitive sentence.

    Just because a past infraction may be removed from your record doesn’t mean that it never happened; The judge correctly reviewed Lanes’ clear failure to reform, given prior opportunities, and sentenced Lane according;.

    Donte Stallworth pleaded guilty. Billy Lane pleaded innocent, thus subjecting the state to a VERY prohibitive prosecution, which allowed Lane three years of freedom and the ability to earn a substantial living promoting his wares- some of which have been reviewed in this very blog;

    What is Donte Stallworths’ earning power today, since he was IMMEDIATELY suspended indefinitely from his day job?

    I don’t defend Stallworth, but this comparison of Lane to Stallworth is a matter of apples to oranges.

    If you received the same sentence for the same crime, whether or not you pleaded innocent or guilty, then no one would EVER plead guilty again;

    These things MATTER to the Court.

    To wit: Billy Lane is a menace while operating a motor vehicle, and society must be protected from Lanes’ pathlogical disregard of the laws of the road. Lane has already burned very generous opportunities to reform.

    Lanes’ DL isn’t being suspended for life to punish him-

    It’s to GET HIM OFF THE ROAD SO THAT HE WON’T KILL ANYONE ELSE.

    Lane very much EARNED his sentence.

    This is how the Scales of Justice work in this country.

    I like Billy Lane Seems like a cool guy, I’ve bought some of his stuff. Billy Lane got six years. Gerald Moreland got life. Seems like a sweet deal for Lane to me; What- you want the judge to kiss Lane thank-you, too?

    Frankly, Rogue, your statements here are so bizarre and utterly without merit, I would be very surpised to see ANY legitimate publication convey your viewpoint, but you let us know when and where you get published……

    “Race” an issue? Huh? That may be a world-record for playing “the race card”- lol…..

  83. 83 mpm Aug 17th, 2009 at 8:28 am

    i posted a comment on friday the 14 th it has been removed i guess you censor the people who make comments you don’t like about your buddy billy lane mr huze. as someone who has been in this indusrty 20 years i’ve seen a lot of posers and phoneys occ, fairless,jesse james, etc. the guy i met at a show was billy lane he was drunk he was arrogant and treated me and my wife with disrespect. Mr huze put my comment back up it wasn,t vulgar or offensive it was a true statement about the guy i met . mark hames , marks precision machine

  84. 84 Cyril Huze Aug 17th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    MPM (Mark Hames At Marks Precision Machine).

    Did you read what is mentioned above the box to comment? “Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language. Respect others. See the Terms Of Service for details”.

    Your removed comment was in this category. We don’t censor comments when they are opinions. We remove them when they are “offensive, vulgar, or hateful language and don’t respect others.

    When we removed your former comment we took the time to email to you to explain why. So, why are you writing again the same thing. We removed again the vulgar part of this new comment. Cyril.

  85. 85 living shadow Aug 17th, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Respectfully I must take note and mention a few facts that I personally have witnessed ,
    On the same scale as Billy I had witness as my brothers high school buddy ,a local young man also drive intoxicated and commit a vehicular homicide, He on top of feeling terrable and ruining his life daily with remorse had been sentenced 7 to 15 yrs in astate institution He DID TEN YEARS !
    came out a different person as well as missed his sons growing up .
    I know all too well lesson learned too late for all concerned , He know the liuves effected.
    Billy is remorseful , has had to live with the what ofs ?? for many years now on a daily basis .
    I am not a friend of Billys , I have met hom a few times , saw him at the bike weeks set up , saw his shows and alos alot behing the scenes . Billy was always a Great appreciative person for the fans he had and the custom bike business on all levels , I never saw him arrogent , or being disrespectful to any persons , actually never noticed any drugs , yea a few drinks but personally never witnessed him drunk out of control. I know peaking for myslef many moons ago I drove a vehicle too many times intoxicated , this could have been me ! Im not sure baout anyone out here in pc land BUT i know alot of my friends that so far have been very fortunate to ahve made it back with an incident also , ASK YOURSELF ……. Have you ever ??
    Billy is being respectful and as an educated person and a nice lady at his sine , good parents / family he is doing all he can to make it right and move forward in a positive manner .
    Time will tell thus the news will bring us of the updates and ongoing court actions .
    Let us all LEARN from this unfortunate accident and live on .
    Billy, I personally with you the best in life and all time after this being positive .
    Keep your chin down and hands up , there are alot of jealous people out here .

  86. 86 man up Aug 17th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    Billy did the right thing and everyone should respect him for it. He kept his mouth shut and everybody talking for him. In his statement didn’t ask for anything but the what the court was going to give him. To me he maned up big time and to all the people that made so much BS about what happened especially Rouge for his artical in Biker Net.com who came up with so much fiction it made me sick and he should give up writing and go flip burgers at the golden arches. One more thing on the football player the guy he ran over ran out between two cars at night not in a cross walk or well lit area, and was struck by the car. I think thats why the sentance was so small. Back about Billy I hope he gets out in earley I want to help him in the motorcycle business that I have been in for over 20 years. He changed my mind about him, thats the kind of man I what to work with.

  87. 87 Phil Aug 19th, 2009 at 8:16 am

    The only reason that most of you guys are deriving your perverted pleasure from Billy being in jail is because you’re envious of him. Your thinly veiled jealousy under the umbrella of “justice” makes me smile. He was good looking, he appealed to both men and women. He had an artistic eye; he had the dream job and was successful. He optimized Cool and told the man to fuck off.
    Enjoy your hate! Billy had lived more life on a bad weekend than you will your whole life. When you get home tonight in your minivan or bagger (same thing) and you see your ugly wife and then you will wake and have to go to a job you hate in the morning. It’s the life you dreamed of. Yeah we all have choices.
    Do you feel better that Billy is in jail? When you go out tonight and you will still be invisible. Do you feel better that Billy’s is in jail. When the only hot taco that is in your mouth is from taco bell do you feel better That Billy’s is in jail. When life or your choices has ripped you up the ass do you feel better that Billy is in jail?
    Billy’s is in jail and that’s the only pleasure you will get this weekend/year. Keep jerking off and remember to cup the balls when talking to your boss. Continue to pay on your plastic. Oh!! here’s an idea!! Go buy a new bike!!! You will still go home alone sober or drunk. Why? Cuz you are invisible that’s the source of your hate.
    I will make a point to drive home this weekend drunk and be thinking of you haters while I’m being gratified by something you could never pull.
    Bottom line Billy’s in jail and you are still invisible!
    Don’t forget write back about Billy getting raped it’s all you haters have.

  88. 88 Sugar Bear Aug 19th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    “I will make a point to drive home this week end drunk” – Phil …. some lessons are to be learned. Don’t let your anger get the best of you and make you do something foolish. You are taking a chance of winding up in jail or the morgue and possibly taking someone out. Everytime you make it without hurting someone or yourself, you always feel you can do it again and you try it again. The only thing that will stop you is hurting someone or you getting hurt ….. then it’s too late. Think about it …….

  89. 89 billy lanes bubba Aug 19th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    in my opinion, billy will survive this 6 years sentence, (removed because offensive).

  90. 90 Phil Aug 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    Sugar Bear,

    Thanks for you sagacious advice. One observation, I’m not angry at all feel damn good.(almost Friday) I will drink one for you and Billy this weekend. I Wish Billy could have one too. He probable could really use one right about now.

    Have a good weekend

    Phil

  91. 91 Reitmeister Ratt Aug 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Lane got 3 years off the plea deal . He’ll be paroled after completing less than the 6 years. In prison he’ll study, read lots of books, work out, go to school, etc. I know , I’ve been to prison myself ( 5 years.Ga). It wasn’t fun or pleasant , but you can have a life. Upon release, Lane will likely move to another state and eventually get a drivers license. He’ll have all his family and buddies back., drink beer, regenerate his business, and live the good live again for perhaps another 50 years…. The other guy, Morelock, the one he crushed to death through his careless stupidity , HE LOST EVERYTHING, eternal darkness forever. No, unlike most of you, I’m not “sorry” Lane is going to prison. I don’t care if he’s your sweet buddy, a nice guy, your hero, volunteers at the nursing home, whatever, HE MADE A CHOICE and he deserves to be punished. AND HE’S GETTING OFF LIGHT. If it was my bro or son he smashed the life out off, he’d have more to worry about than that prison cell.

  92. 92 lyfsux Aug 27th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    Billy had a history of drinking related problems long before he killed anyone…
    Alcoholism is a disease a progressive disease that always has serious cosequences if not treated. There are no winners only losers with this disease on both sides. It does not make him a bad person just another statistic along with the person that died… I don’t know what the answer is… Tougher laws don’t seem to work… Some people just don’t get it before it’s too late… A friend of Bill W.

  93. 93 mpm Aug 31st, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    to mr huze,look at the words in the comment right below your reply to me from phil aug 18 how many vulgar words are in that one it seems to be ok if it goes billy’s way like i said before this business is full of phoneys it’s ok for this phil guy to spout of at the mouth with all kinds of vulgarity why don’t you check websters for the defintion of vulgarity same ole onesided forum just like the rest dish it out but ya can’t take it go draw some footpegs send em out an have em made in china count your money and when this little chopper craze wears out where you gonna be mr huze. like i said he was drunk,rude and he insulted me and my wife like it or not it is a fact.go hang out with fairless then i don’t have to change his spark plugs you can do it for him like i used too when i was his service manager until icouldn’t stomach his phoney ass.i think i’ll go for a ride.

  94. 94 steven Oct 13th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    billy i was sad to see this happen, i too did time in arizona for a large drug charge and i came out a better individual. i was on your site looking to puchase a new bike and that red devil looks good to me, iguess i can wait, you’ll be just fine. look foward to see you back in society building again brother, red and white forever billy, make good of your time there. email me if you need anything or letters bro

    take care and see ya soon steven

  95. 95 Laughing Oct 14th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    steven, you’re a loser.

  96. 96 JIm Cattle Oct 15th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    I think the sentence had more to do with the fact that Billy Lane is a moron and built lousy morotcycles.
    To bad they did’nt send him and his buddy Jesse James back to the caves that they crawled out of.

  97. 97 Dan Dec 19th, 2009 at 12:51 am

    I knew Billy personally and he was a good man. I’m sorry for the Morelock family. I believe Billy’s sentence is too harsh. I will miss Billy.

  98. 98 Bigalyts Dec 19th, 2009 at 8:54 am

    I am only on this Post after all these Month’s, because I read what a Jim Cattle wrote and He needed to be “Judged” by His comment about a Couple of Legend’s in this Buisness. Let it be Known that this “Cattle” Dood has “Mad Cow” Disease. It Should not ever Spread to any future Posts without a Reminder of what a “Dickwad” is!!!!!

  99. 99 bella Dec 19th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    BILLY LANE IS DRUNK. YES i know him, i spent hours on the phone with him. He would constantly call me while DRUNK and beg me to speak to him just so he could “make it home”. I told him several times he should stop drinking. His days ran out, its not like this was his FIRST time drinking and drive. He even laughed about it, it had enough and stopped all phone calls after he blew up one day while he was at the bank. He proceeded to insult some NON white people and i can’t even type what he said.
    HE was also drunk drive around and going to the bank DRUNK.
    He little sob act is just that AN ACT. Everything he said was staged, include the tears. He KILLED a man and gets 6 years wow. UNREAL, he will no doubt get out with good time. Luv how this little woman sticks by her man lol. Real piece of work .

  100. 100 Bigalyts Dec 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    Bella, you know I believe you ! It is not unbelievable at all! I am not startled or amazed at his actions. These are simply characteristics of an Alchoholic. What happened is the consequences of an Alchoholic. What and why He only got 6 years is, that the Man that was Killed was also drunk and has a History of being Drunk. I can’t call him an Alchoholic, because I don’t know anybody personally that can comment on His drinking behavior. Although I don’t believe that it is responsibile. I don’t think that His Attorney was any Top Shelf Wonders. These type of Mouth Pieces are not typically practicing in the Melborne area. I also believe that if He was in Dade County He would not have been sentenced to 6 years. I also believe that you are confessing of being an intimate or Bed Sharing friend of Billy’s. My point is that if you were concerned about Billy getting home safely, then why spend hour’s on the phone with Him? Why did you not be responsible and Come get Him and Drive Him Home??? Maybe just maybe bella he was on the phone with you before he Hit and Killed the Victim. You could have went to pick him up and been the designated Driver. He you might actually have been an Accecessory.

  101. 101 bella Dec 20th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    BIG
    well i was NOT sleeping with him. Second i live in CANADA. HE would pass out and leave the phone line OPEN he was soo wasted. So HOW would i go “get him” if i lived in Canada lol. I also told him several times he needed help. He informed me he had a “mother” and did not need another one. He also informed me he was friends with all the cops there so no worries. So you are wrong, was never a “bed sharing of his”. POINT is he was a drunk for YEARS. He continued to drink after this accident and posted “happy pics” on myspace. If he REALLY felt like shit for what he did he would have refused bail and remained in JAIL. His court video clearly shows he was saying all that to make himself feel better. And NO i was not on the phone with him when he killed that man. I spoke to Billy YEARSSS ago, he was a drunk then still is. He is looking pretty RUFF too so is his Lady LOL.
    HE don’t even LIKE blondes, that’s the funny thing. He is only with her to score points with the law, to make himself LOOK GOOD. He even admitted to me he does not remember much after the “accident” or how mean he was.
    Ya righttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt as he fucked 1/2 of Florida at his shop.
    THINK about it, that truck was over 7000 pounds he would not even have felt the implact of the man he hit. HOW then did he end up totally the truck and hitting poles etc.
    Makes you WONDER doesn’t it?????????????
    VERY FISHYYYYYYYYYYYYY

  102. 102 bella Dec 20th, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    I find if funny the chick that was WITH him in the truck sued him lol. Maybe if she had some fucking BRAINS she would KNOW not to get in a car with a wasted person. YES wasted, Billy never just had a “couple” he was always wasted ask anyone include his “buddies”. BIG difference in a couple drinks and drive while being WASTED ALL THE TIME. WHY do you think he had his license taken away! TRUTH is i bet he could not even see straight and was too busy getting a blow job then to keep his eyes on the road. He even told me that he can get ANYONE that when he walks into a room “people notice” that he “gets what he wants” His attitude was a HUGE turn off, hence why i never fucked him BIG. I also don’t agree with his so called disease. He drank cause he fucking liked to party END OF STORY.

  103. 103 Chad Coleman Dec 24th, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    I met Billy a few years ago @ the Easyriders show in Dallas. He actually stopped signing autographs and showed me something on his bike that I had a question about. I’ve never met a celebrity with as much class as him. I spent 4 years in prison soon afterwards and his book “Chop Fiction” was one of the more inspirational books that I read. I feel for him but I also know that he will make the most of this. I know that sounds cliche, but we share the heart of an underdog and this is the ultimate underdog story. By the way BELLA, have you ever made a mistake? Did you pay for it ? Well, Billy is paying for his just like you are paying for yours, I suggest you learn how to forgive. Not for Billy but for you. Who are you to judge ? Anyway, much love to my brother Billy Lane.

  104. 104 bella Dec 25th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Chad
    NO i actually don’t make STUPID mistakes.
    He CHOSE to drive DRUNK ALL THE TIME. YOU all make it like it was a once time shot.
    LOL

  105. 105 Chad Coleman Dec 30th, 2009 at 12:47 am

    Hey Bella,
    You are right. I, for some reason, want to take up for Billy because I guess I really relate to him. Hopefully we can channel some of this this energy spent here on stopping the real problem of drinking and driving. Thank you for the insight.

  106. 106 bella Dec 30th, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    I channel my energy many ways Chad lol. As for drinking & driving pffffffff. For one its everyone’s OWN responsibility NOT TO DO SO. I myself do NOT drink or drink & drive. Billy is not child, he is a grown 40 year old! His lack of respect just floors me as does all his little supporters.
    Just cause you met him don’t mean you KNOW HIM. Of COURSE he is nice to the guys, YOU ARE PAYING HIM FOR PARTS.
    Happy New Year Billy
    LOL

  107. 107 Larry R. Dec 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Yes, Billy really did mess up. He confessed to his guilt. So much for being upstanding and honest. Maybe we all can learn from his standup approach….Not.

  108. 108 Jeff Nicklus Dec 30th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    What do you say we all leave Billy alone? He has been convicted and is doing his time which is what the law calls for.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  109. 109 bella Dec 30th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    yep deff OVER & out a long time ago 🙂

  110. 110 squid1 May 5th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    Im a bike builder and have been in the industry for 27 years. Yeah Billy did build cool bikes, much more interesting than WCC, but in my opinion what he did is 2nd degree murder. he got off easy with 6 years

  111. 111 Filthy Phil Dec 26th, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    This is a true story, I knew a friend of mine who’s Father got drunk and ran a red light in Santa Ana California, and killed a motorcycle cop, and he got a 3 year sentence, and got out in about 18 months.

  112. 112 Humberto Monte Jan 23rd, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    I feel sorry for him, but do not driven when you drink
    He has to pay the price, I think 6 year for kill any body
    is not the bad.
    I love Billy Lane bikes working and he is a very
    talent young man. I feel bad for the family of Gerald Morelock.
    He also was a bike rider.
    We have to pay for the mistake we made here
    or in other life.
    Peace
    Monte

  1. 1 National DUI Roundup for the week of August 22, 2009 | TraumaSurvivor.org Pingback on Aug 22nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
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