Category Archives: Celebrities

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Jesse James Charged with Vandalism in Long Beach

Jesse James of West Coast Choppers and Monster Garage fameToday, Jessie James has been cited for vandalism by the Violent Crimes unit of the Long Beach Police Department after approaching and threatening a celebrity photographer parked across the street from the location of a West Coast Choppers Place press conference. The actual incident took place on March 25, 2010.

It is alleged that James blocked the photographer’s car with a motorcycle and yelled at him through the driver’s side window as a friend struck the car’s windows with a knife and slashed three tires. It was all caught on video.

The photographer was also cited for stalking James, but it’s the celebrity that took the biggest hit.

The photographer never would have been there, of course, if news had not broke a few weeks ago that James had been unfaithful to his movie star with Sandra Bullock – his wife of five years this July – with a variety of women.

Then came the photos of Jesse James posing as Adolf Hitler – years before meeting Bullock – and the questions of possible neo-Nazism were not far behind.

I hope Jessie James gets some treatment for anger management while he is in rehab. He is lucky because this incident could have been much worse if the photographer was actually struck with glass, or had a heart attack or something like that.

A quick outburst of anger has ruined many of men’s lives.

Jesse James must be thinking that it was nice while it lasted. However, I have a feeling that he is going to be OK.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney Website

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Another Woman Claims 3-year Affair Sandra Bullock’s husband Jesse James; I have coined a new phrase; Tiger Woods Syndrome.

Sandra Bullock and Jessie James

Jessie James and Sandra Bullock

**** 4/28/10 UPDATE – Sandra Bullock has filed for divorce. What would you do if you found out your spouse was sleeping with multiple partners?

LOS ANGELES – California

At least three women have come forward claiming to have had an affair with Sandra Bullock’s husband Jesse James, and a fourth is said to be considering her options.

Attorney Gloria Allred says she’s representing the fourth mistress — “a beautiful model and business woman” who says she “had an intimate 3 year relationship” with James.

That relationship reportedly ended just weeks ago.

“He pursued her and he had strong feelings for her,” Allred said in a statement.

According to Allred, “She is in the process of trying to decide if she will come forward.”

Allred added that the woman has “hundreds” of texts, e-mails and photos to back up her story.

Tattoo model Michelle “Bombshell” McGee was the first woman to come forward alleging an affair with James.

Us Weekly reports that James, 40, would regularly post Internet ads looking for “hot, tattooed biker chicks with big boobs,” and then invite the girls back to his West Coast Choppers bike shop in Long Beach.

James’ infidelity has been an openly-known secret among employees at the bike shop, the magazine says, adding that James “gets bored” when Bullock is away.

A second woman, stripper Melissa Smith, has claimed she had a two-year affair with the celebrity biker starting in 2006.

Like McGee, Smith is heavily tattooed.

Smith has said that after she traveled to California to meet James, they began a sexual relationship that continued for two years.

A former high-level, female executive with the bike shop also settled a sexual harassment claim against James and West Coast Choppers for $725,000 in 2007, while he was married to Bullock, TMZ is reporting.

Gloria Allred, whose firm represented Deann McClung, is refusing to comment on the allegations.

McClung, who kept several suggestive emails, said that between 2006 and 2007, James repeatedly made sexual advances, which allegedly included sexual acts, the site reported.

TMZ reported that McClung also claims she kept a T-shirt with evidence of a sexual encounter with James.

McClung eventually quit and filed a sexual harassment lawsuit.

In the settlement documents, James reportedly neither admitted nor denied the allegations.

James apologized for using “poor judgment” and asked his family to forgive him following revelations by McGee that the two had a year-long affair while Bullock was away filming “The Blind Side.”

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Jesse James reaches out to his wife Sandra Bullock after Affair Allegations are Reported.

academy award winning actress Sandra Bullock Jesse James has issued a public apology to his wife, academey award winning actress Sandra Bullock, and his three kids.

He is taking full responsibility for their troubles.

Sandra Bullock and Jesse James have been married for five years. They met on the set of Jesse James TV show Monster Garage.

Michelle “Bombshell” McGee alleges that she had an affair with Jesse James for almost a year.

“There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me,” James said in a public statement. “It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve every bad thing that is coming my way.”

Bullock was selected as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1996 and 1999, and was also ranked #58 in Empire magazine’s Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time list. She just won a Best Actress Academy Award a few weeks ago.

Bullock has cancelled an appearance at a European premier of her latest movie citing personal problems, and has reportedly moved out of the family home.

Although James insists that the vast majority of the allegations against him are not true, the marital situation does not look good.

Michelle McGee has also provided more evidence of her relationship with James by posting text messages that were sent to her by Jesse James.

The text messages only made the situation worse. In fact, McGee went so far to discuss details about his body parts in a recent magazine. However, she is the other one to blame in this sad situation. It appears that she may have ulterior reasons for publicizing the affair.

Jesse James had it all. Just four nights ago, Sandra Bullock was praising him in the public spotlight. She has been by his side on during numerous trials and tribulations.

Jesse James of West Coast Choppers and Monster Garage fameBullock moved out of the Los Angeles home she shared with James and his kids after it was revealed that her husband had the affair with the tattooed model. The tattoo model works for an adult website. She said their affair blossomed on the first night they met.

Jesse James and Monster Motorcycle Reality TV Shows

Jesse James is the CEO of West Coast Choppers. The company builds custom-made motorcycles. James is the current host of “Jesse James is a Dead Man” on Spike TV and former host of “Monster Garage” on the Discovery Channel.

James is the owner of the Cisco Burger restaurant. It opened on April 28, 2006 and is located just down the street from West Coast Choppers. The 1950s style hamburger stand is named after his beloved pit bull who recently passed away. The restaurant features Angus beef burgers, low-fat burritos, organic vegetables, and biodegradable wrappings.

In 2000, the Discovery Channel made the documentary “Motorcycle Mania,” which chronicled the life of Jesse James. The show motorcycle mania was the beginning of the great motorcycle reality show bonanza of the early 2000’s.

Michelle "Bombshell" McGeeThe Discovery Channel approached James with another offer to host a new show called “Monster Garage.” The features him and a crew of mechanics building modified vehicles under short deadlines.

James later established Payupsucker Productions, under which he produced shows like “History of the Chopper,” and “Iraq Confidential with Jesse James” to name a few.”

He also appeared on the second season of Celebrity Apprentice. Each celebrity played to raise money for a favorite charity. James selected to pay the “Long Beach Education Foundation.”

Jesse James has built up a large following of motorcycle enthusiasts, bikers, and average people.

California Biker Lawyer and Motorcycle Accident Attorney, 2010

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Green Bay Packers Spencer Havner arrested following Motorcycle Accident

Green Bay Packers Spencer HavnerGreen Bay Packers tight end Spencer Havner was arrested early Saturday morning after he was injured in a motorcycle accident in an unincorporated area of Nevada County in California.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the former Nevada Union High School star was riding on a cul-de-sac off Indian Flat Road at about 2:45 a.m., when he lost control of his 2007 Kawasaki and crashed.

Havner was transported to Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, where he was found to be under the influence and arrested, according to CHP reports.

“There was a smell of alcohol, he was babbling somewhat and the on-site investigating officer determined that he was under the influence of alcohol,” said Grass Valley California Highway Patrol spokesman Eric Wagner. “The subject couldn’t remember what happened or falling off.”

Wagner said Havner, 27, was not wearing a required helmet and, according to the preliminary report filed by the arresting officer, Dina Hernandez, Havner sustained “major injuries,” including a broken shoulder blade, lacerations to his head and left arm.

Wagner said Havner was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center after blood was drawn.

“The sobriety field test was limited based on his injuries,” Wagner said. “But in the officer’s opinion (his blood-alcohol level) was greater than 0.08 percent.”

A final report will be forwarded to the Nevada County District Attorney’s office, likely early next week, when it will be determined if charges will be filed.

Havner’s representative, Mark Humenik, a general counsel for Athletes First, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel his client “suffered only minor injuries.”

While Humenik confirmed Havner broke his scapula (shoulder), he should be fully recovered “in short order.”

“We have spoken to Spencer Havner about the injuries he sustained in a recent motorcycle accident near his home and we are monitoring the situation,” Packers spokesman Jeff Blumb said in a statement.

Nevada Union coach Dave Humphers, who mentored Havner, was shocked by the news. He said he has yet to talk to Havner.

“I just hope he’s OK,” Humphers said. “Spencer has always been a solid guy. He’s never been in trouble of any kind.”

Havner starred at UCLA but was undrafted in 2006. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder spent parts of three seasons trying to make the Packers as a linebacker. Last season, Havner, nicknamed “Duct Tape” for his ball-catching skills, switched to tight end and caught four touchdown passes.

The Packers offered Havner a tender as an exclusive-rights free agent earlier this month.

Let me tell you that Spencer Havner is lucky to be alive. To be frank he is an idiot for drinking and riding a motorcycle, let alone without a helmet. The injuries he suffered are painful and severe. I am sure the driving while under the influence will be the least of his problems.

Under no circumstances should anyone ever drink and ride a motorcycle, especially without wearing the proper safety gear.

I know lots of guys who enjoy one or two beer while on motorcycle road trips, thinking that only a couple of beer will not impair them; well B.S. it does.

There is no room for error while riding a motorcycle. I wish Spencer Havner a full and speedy recovery; hopefully he has learned his lesson about drinking and riding a motorcycle. Many bikers and motorcyclist do not ever get a second chance.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, 2010

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‘Deadliest Catch’ star Phil Harris Dead at the Age of 53.

Phil Harris of Deadliest Catch Dead at 53

Phil Harris

Deadliest Catch star Phil Harris, died on Tuesday after suffering a stroke while captaining his Cornelia Marie crab fishing vessel late last month.

Film crews were present and filming for the TV series when Phil Harris suffered the stroke. It is unsure if the incident will be edited out of the TV series.

Discovery Channel and Deadliest Catch executive producer Thom Beers are currently discussing plans for a tribute to Harris.

Harris suffered the stroke while the Cornelia Marie was docked on St. Paul Island in Alaska and off-loading on January 29.

The 53-year-old was airlifted to Anchorage where he underwent 12 hours of surgery the following day and was then put in a medically induced coma to reduce brain swelling, but had exited the coma and begun to show signs of recovery early last week.

Beers acknowledged that despite his death, Harris — who had been part of Deadliest Catch since its first season — will still be featured in the shows sixth season which began filming last November.

“He’ll be a big part of the season and the series, “But this is a huge loss to the series.”

However whether the Cornelia Marie — which resumed opilio crab fishing with relief captain Derek Ray following Harris’ stroke — will remain part of Deadliest Catch going forward is currently undecided, according to Beers.

Deadliest Catch Star Phil Harris on Custom Motorcycle“The fate and the future of the Cornelia Marie and crew (are) up in the air. I’m flying up to meet with his sons and figure out what to do going forward.”

Harris had captained the Cornelia Marie, which he co-owned with Cornelia Marie Devlin, for 19 years and been in the fishing industry for 33 years. However Beers said the captain’s relationship with his sons Josh and Jake, who had joined the vessel’s crew in recent years, is what he’ll remember about him.

“What was fascinating for me was seeing this big rough-and-tumble guy reunited with his sons through work.”

“He had to adjust to all of a sudden being a dad again. It was fun to see the trials and tribulations of raising these two boys in a work environment.”

Phil Harris was also an avid Biker and not only road a custom motorcycle, but he also had a Harley Davidson. He liked to ride all of the time, especially when the weather was right and he was not on his fishing boat.

Go with God Phil Harris.

You can check out more at the Cornelia Marie website by clicking here.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer

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The End Of The Road For American Chopper – Is the Biker Yuppie Craze Over?

 ** 2-11-10 Update – I watched the last American Chopper show and it sucked. There was no mention of the series being cancelled which leads me to believe that the series was cancelled by TLC without any advanced warning or planning. Otherwise they would have done some kind of end of series show.

One of my commenters, “Pirate” is right, this show bit the big one. He mentioned that the economy probably has a lot to do with the downturn in custom motorcycles, and even the Easy Rider show in his area. One of my other commentators “Guru” does not understand why motorcycles are not promoted more as a cheap way to save gas and commute.

Anyway I think that TLC did a disservice to watchers like me. They did not even respect us enough to do a final series show. I think that the Teutul’s disrespected us as well by thinking we would continue to watch a series where Paul Jr. and Mikey moped around town designing dog parks, and doing lame comedy routines while their audience wanted to see custom motorcycles being made.

Anyway that is it; I wonder if we will see any other motorcycle type of shows on cable?

Well the TV series American Chopper is suddenly coming to an end; the last show is this Thursday at 9:00pm EST on the Learning Channel.

Many of you may have read the article I wrote about the Teutul family lawsuit here.

I became aware of the fact that the show was ending when I saw a commercial on TLC announcing that the very last show would be this Thursday. I thought it was kind of odd that Paul Jr. was the one announcing the end of the show on the commercial since he was fired by his dad, (see below) and his is being sued by his dad.

I am sure that most of you know that American Chopper is or should I say, was, a very popular show on TLC about the Teutul family and their building custom motorcycles at Orange County Choppers in New York. The show also showcased some heavy duty family fighting.

I firmly believe it was TV shows like American Chopper, Biker Build-off, Motorcycle Mania, etc., that fueled the Yuppie motorcycle craze of the early 2000’s. Love the shows or hate them, they drove motorcycles into the mainstream, and made them more popular than ever.

Now it is almost impossible to find any of the reality based motorcycle shows that were running throughout the early 2000’s.

I myself was a regular watcher of America Chopper, and had it set to record on my digital video recorder automatically. I did not watch it for drama; I watched it because I thought the custom motorcycle build part of the show was pretty cool. I also watched other motorcycle reality TV shows when they were on. I believe that American Chopper is the last of the genre.

Some people may have thought that the show was BS, but in my humble opinion, it was a good watch, something better than let’s say watching some BS game show.

I have been riding motor powered mini-bikes and motorcycles since my dad put me on one at the age of 4 in 1967. I remember having to kick start (or push start) my motorcycles in the 1970’s, and early 80’s. I have been riding well before the yuppie craze started with motorcycles in the 2000’s.

Nonetheless I have nothing against yuppies. I believe the more people on motorcycles, the better. Anyway, getting back to American Choppers, I wonder if this will spell the end for Orange County Choppers. Who knows? Anyway, I will be watching on Thursday as I am sure will all of you, to see what happens, and bid a farewell to a show that gave me enjoyment.

Now I leave you with a clip of the reality that apparently tore the Teutul family apart, Paul Jr.’s firing. Maybe now these guys can pull their heads out of their asses and be a family again.

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By Biker Attorney and California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010

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Orange County Chopper Father and Son in Bitter Lawsuit

American Chopper - Orange County Chopper Lawsuit

Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul M. Teutul jr.

I am sure that many of you in the motorcycle world have watched the TV show American Chopper. American Chopper is a reality TV show about the company Orange County Choppers. Its stars are the infamous Teutul family; Paul Teutul Sr., his son Paul Jr., and of course Mikey.

Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul M. Teutul had a very public falling out, which was chronicled on American Chopper. In the Season 6 premiere, Paul Sr. and son had a contentious contract dispute, which led to Paul Jr.’s departure from the company. After a brief reconciliation, Paul Jr. left the OCC for good to explore other opportunities. In later episodes, Paul Jr. was seen working as a consultant at Orange County Choppers.

It has been reported that Paul Sr. sent a letter to Paul Jr. exercising an alleged right to purchase Paul Jr.’s share of the stock he owns in Orange County Choppers since Paul Jr. no longer works there.

Paul Teutul, Sr. claims he had a deal with his son, Paul M. Teutul, in which he could buy his son’s stock from the Orange County Choppers Holdings, Inc. motorcycle company.

The father, who appears on the television show alongside his son, sent Teutul, Jr. a letter saying he would be exercising his right to buy the stock.

Paul Sr. apparently has filed the lawsuit to the Supreme Court of New York; however I have not seen a copy of the lawsuit heretofore. He also filed a suit against Orange County Choppers, Inc.

In the lawsuit, he claimed damages in excess of $1 million and is asking for an order from the judge to force his son to give him the stock.

My take on the situation is this; yes I have watched the show for years. It is better than watching some of the other crap on TV I will tell you that.

I have been a businessman since I was in my 20’s, when I first got venture capital to start Daylight Data Corporation in Los Angeles, and am now running a successful California law firm.

Being successful at business requires management expertise, capital, and luck. It appears to me that Paul Teutul Sr. has been a very successful businessman. He started out installing railings; he worked hard and built his business into a metal manufacturing company, and then started Orange County Choppers. He then used the TV show American Choppers as a marketing vehicle to build his successful business.

There is no doubt that his son really did help with Orange County Choppers, however, in the end, it is the businessman who keeps a company going.

I learned in law school that you never want to represent friends or family because you will never do well enough in their eyes no matter the outcome in a case.

You would think family run businesses would be the easiest to run because of the trust factor. Let me tell you, it takes a special kind of family to stick together to run a business. Unlike other businesses where you can hire and fire at will, it is kind of hard to fire your son, or your brother, etc.

It is a shame that the Teutul’s family business relationship has apparently broken down. My personal take on the situation is that Paul Jr.’s head grew too big for his britches. He designed motorcycles, he started making money, he got the big house, he got the nice looking girlfriend, he obtained fame, etc. He started screwing off at work. Not coming in on time. He became unreliable to his father. Above all, he disrespected his father on national television.

Look, I know full well Paul Sr. is an asshole sometimes. Hell, he and my father would get along well if they were too meet. Paul Sr. did not ask anything more of his son, than a son should give to his father and a family owned business.

Without Paul Sr.’s capital, management expertise, and experience, Orange County Choppers would be a non entity. Motorcycle designers and fabricators are a dime a dozen. Paul Jr. could be, and has been replaced. I think Orange County Choppers are putting out their best motorcycles now.

I think Paul Sr. wants nothing more than to have his sons with him; as sons, not as monsters.

In my honest opinion, Paul Jr. should go to his father, apologize for being an asshole to his father, make amends, and jump back into the family business. Maybe when his money starts to run out he will.

Life is too short and you only get one father in this world. Paul Jr. and Mickey should jump back on the team for the big win, especially for their family.

Good luck to Orange County Choppers in all of their endeavors.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and California Biker Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010

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Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild

The consummate Biker Song of all time! I do not know about you, but this song sure does get my dander up for a ride!

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California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer

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Easy Rider…………………… It speaks for Itself!

Here is a video from the movie Easy Rider. Every biker that I know of will be able to relate to this video. We all may ride different types of motorcycles. However in the end, this is what it is all about.

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By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

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Brad Pitt’s motorcycle accident reports deny paparazzi sabotage

Actor Brad Pitt on motorcycle

Actor Brad Pitt on his motorcycle.

Actor Brad Pitt, who was involved in a motorcycle accident this past week in Los Angeles, California was reportedly wrecked at a red light by a stalking paparazzi.

The New York Daily News originally reported that the movie star was “hit by paparazzo while riding motorcycle in Los Angeles”, quoting TMZ as the source.

According to the report, “the bike was thrust forward into another car, causing him to lose his balance.”

Shortly after reports went viral, spreading across media outlets everywhere, TMZ.com posted a correction to the story, saying on their site they had more “factual” news after seeing the wreck video.

“We just spoke to someone who has seen video of the incident – and we’re told absolutely no one else was involved in the accident.”

Furthermore, they wrote “We’re told Brad tried to maneuver his bike between a parked car and a car stopped at a red light, and his handlebars clipped the parked car,” the site explains. “He lost control and fell over.”

Adding, still, the star’s health goes undisturbed. “Everything is fine,” the report adds.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer

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Billy Lane files a Motion to Reduce His Jail Sentence.

Billy Lane leaving Court *** 10/25/09 Update – The Judge has rejected this motion. I guess you cannot blame someone for trying to get out of jail right?

Imprisoned celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane wants a judge to give his fatal crash victim’s family another chance to say what kind of punishment he should receive, in hopes of getting his six-year prison sentence reduced.

Lane, 39, was sentenced in August to six years in prison after pleading no contest to one count of vehicular homicide for crashing his pickup truck head-on into 56-year-old Gerald Morelock’s motorcycle while speeding past slow traffic in a no-pass zone on Sept. 4, 2006.

During sentencing, the victim’s brother and nephew declined to recommend a punishment, but asked the judge to impose a sentence that would use Lane’s celebrity status to help save the lives of young people through a foundation they plan to create in Morelock’s name.

However, Lane’s attorneys recently filed a motion claiming the men have since expressed that intense media and public scrutiny caused them to be “vague” about their feelings on a prison sentence for Lane.

“They were sufficiently overwhelmed by the experience that they did not fully express their feeling that Mr. Lane would better be able to benefit society if he were not incarcerated,” the defense motion says.

The attorneys want Circuit Judge Robert Burger to give the Morelocks another chance to be heard and to reduce Lane’s sentence if he sees fit.

No hearing on the motion has been set.

I must admit, this is one of the most bizzare defense motions I have ever heard. If it is granted I will be shocked.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer

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Billy Lane Gets Six Years in Prison for Vehicular Manslaughter – A Follow Up.

Custom Motorcycle Builder Billy Lane is sentenced to 6 years in prisonYou can read many of the articles I have written on the Billy Lane case below or by typing in Billy Lane in the search box on the sidebar to the right.

Billy Lane is a custom motorcycle builder who got famous on reality TV shows like Biker Build off on the Discovery Channel in the early 2000’s. He then went on to make regular appearances on the motorcycle event circuit at events such as, Sturgis, Daytona, etc.

Billy Lane got rich and famous as a biker off of bikers. Then Billy Lane did something really stupid; he got shit faced drunk. Then, while his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit he decided to jump into a free SUV given to him to drive as a promotional item by Dodge, along with a lady who rode in the passenger seat, and proceeded to drive.

While driving intoxicated, he decided to cross a double yellow line and hit a biker named Gerry Morelock head on killing Gerry Morelock. Although Gerry Morelock himself had been drinking, he was in no way responsible for the accident or his death. His only mistake that day was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As a biker, I empathize with Gerry Morelock, because it could have been me; it could have been any biker on the road that day. When you have an asshole like Billy Lane crossing a double yellow and plowing into you head on it really does not matter who you are, you are dead. Gerry Morelock is dead. He is dead because Billy Lane decided to get drunk and drive.

I have heard commenter’s on my Biker Law Blog make the argument that we should not talk shit about Billy Lane because we have all drank alcohol and driven, so who are we to throw stones? I say bullshit. How many of us have got drunk then crossed a double yellow line and smashed into a fellow biker head on, killing him?

Billy Lane and Dodge reached settlements of civil cases brought by the family of Gerry Morelock well before Billy Lane’s criminal case was resolved.

So Billy Lane was sentenced to 6 years in the pokie, (prison) by a Vera, Florida Court. He was also placed on three years of probation following his incarceration, and the loss of his driver’s license for life. For basically murdering a man, he got off real light.

May Gerry Morelock rest in peace.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Biker Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2009

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What a wicked week here in Southern California. Michael Jackson, Farrah Facett, and Ed McMahon have all died within the last couple of days.

Michael Jackson had Died on June 25, 2009.Growing up here in Southern California, especially in the San Fernando Valley, and living many years in Hollywood, I could not help but being in the middle of the celebrity scene as a kid and as an adult. I am not going to sit here and talk about who I know, who I have hung out with, or who I have partied with. Let’s just say I am from here, and I grew up here. I have been right in the middle of the action so to say.

With that being said, it has been one hell of a shitty week for me, and fans all over the nation and the globe because this week we have lost 3 icons in the entertainment industry; Michael Jackson, Farrah Facett, and Ed McMahon. You can read things about each of them all over the Internet written by entertainment industry experts.

Beautiful Farah Facett has died on June 25, 2009You may wonder why I am posting an article about three celebrities who have died, and that are seemingly unrelated to motorcycles or bikers here on the Biker Law Blog; it is simple, each of these three celebrities have touched me in some way in my life, and I offer my forum to pay tribute to each of them.

Michael Jackson, controversial as he was, was one hell of a singer and entertainer who transcended race. I remember as a kid listening to the Jackson 5, and his other musical hits later on. Yes I am into Rock & Roll, but I am also in to other music as well. Lot’s of entertainers try to emulate Michael Jackson, but let’s face it; no one has or will come close! CLICK HERE TO SEE AND HEAR MICHAEL JACKSON; ONE HELL OF AN ENTERTAINER.

Farrah Fawcett, well all I can say about her is that I was in love with her from the first moment I saw her poster. She was absolutely fine. I remember all of the San Fernando Valley Girls (Valley Girls) feathering their hair trying to emulate her. As a matter of fact, all of us dudes were doing Ed McMahon has Died on June 23, 2009the same thing in the 70’s. Hell my ex wife still feathers her hair the same way. Farrah was one hell of a female specimen who again has been emulated but will never be duplicated.

 Ed McMahon was one funny dude. As a kid I grew up watching the Tonight Show. Obviously Johnny Carson was funny as hell, but Ed McMahon cracked me up. He was the unique sidekick that basically formed the other half of the tonight show. He was and is revered by millions.

It has been one horrible week here in Southern California. May our celebrities go with god.

By Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez

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Billy Lane to Face 9 years in Jail as Part of Plea Bargain Deal

Billy Lane 2009 *** August 18, 2009 Update.

Billy Lane got 6 years in prison and probation after he gets out. Look for a new article on the subject soon.

*** June 17, 2009 Update.

Billy Lane’s plea of guilty to vehicular homicide was accepted by the Court last week. He will remain free until his next Court appearance on August 14, 2009, when he will be sentenced. It is said that he will probably avoid prison. Part of the plea deal mandates a lifetime suspension of his drivers license in Florida, however he could petition the Florida department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for a hardship licence.

He faced up to 15 years in prison, however according to published reports his plea deal mitigates his maximum possible sentence to 9 years. He may also be sentenced to house arrest or probation.

In June 2002, motorcycle builder Billy Lane of Melbourne Beach, Florida was on top of the world. He sold custom-built motorcycles at $30,000 to $40,000 a piece. He gained fame and celebrity status through various reality TV shows. He was subsequently was invited as a featured guest to motorcycle shows and festivals all over the United States and beyond.

Now Billy Lane who is 39 years old, is facing up to nine years in prison on a single felony charge of vehicular homicide in connection with a Labor Day 2006 car crash that left a Gerry Morelock, a Melbourne Beach, Florida man, a motorcyclist, dead.

After several delays, Lane is expected in court Tuesday morning to change his not guilty plea to “no contest.” He would then be sentenced on Aug. 14, 2009, at 9:00am.

“We did get the written plea agreement in,” defense attorney Greg Eisenmenger told several newspapers. “Based on my review of it, I don’t anticipate any problems. I anticipate we are good to go Tuesday.”

Lane was charged two years ago with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with the 2006 traffic accident in which Gerry Morelock, 56, died.

Police said Lane’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double yellow line to pass slow traffic on State Road A1A south of Melbourne Beach, Florida. He crashed his Dodge pickup head on into Morelock’s small Yamaha motorcycle on Sept. 4, 2006, police said.

In light of ongoing legal discussions over the permissibility of blood evidence at trial, prosecutors in late December added an alternative charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the state to prove that Lane was driving recklessly but does not include the drug or alcohol element needed to prove DUI manslaughter.

Both charges are second-degree felonies in the State of Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Billy Lane 2006But under the terms of the plea deal, Eisenmenger said prosecutors will drop the DUI manslaughter charge. Instead, they will seek a nine-year prison term for the vehicular homicide charge, a term Lane is eligible for under state sentencing guidelines when his prior criminal record is considered.

Eisenmenger will seek a sentence that calls for no time in prison. “We believe there are mitigating factors in this case. . . . And we’re going to be presenting those to the court at sentencing,” he said.

Since the crash, Lane’s public persona has suffered, but he still seems to be popular at biker and motorcycle events.

A message on his motorcycle shop’s Web site says the shop is closed to the public, though merchandise is available for purchase online. Court records indicate that Lane’s Melbourne Beach, Florida home is going through foreclosure.

Lane reached a confidential out-of-court settlement on a wrongful death suit filed by Morelock’s family. Also, records show that Erin Derrick, a 22-year-old woman who was in the car with Lane at the time of the crash, is suing him for injuries she says have rendered her unable to work.

If Billy Lane does change his plea to no contest tomorrow, I will comment more on this issue at that time. Everyone who reads the Biker Law Blog knows how I feel about people who kill bikers and motorcyclist.

California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., 2009

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Billy Lane is in Plea Bargain Talks with Prosecutors.

Billy Lane in talks with prosecutorsPlea negotiations between the state and Billy Lane’s lawyers could lead to a resolution in the motorcycle designer’s DUI manslaughter case as early as next week, his attorney said.

The announcement of the plea comes days before Lane was scheduled to go to trial Monday.

“I can’t talk about the details right now because we have a couple minor details that are up in the air,” lawyer Greg Eisenmenger stated on Thursday.

He said he hopes to receive confirmation on those details from prosecutors by today and anticipates Lane would enter the plea next week.

Lane, 38, was charged two years ago with one count of DUI manslaughter in connection with a Labor Day 2006 traffic accident in which 56-year-old Sebastian Inlet park ranger Gerald Morelock died.

Police said Lane’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double yellow line to pass several cars near Melbourne Beach, striking Morelock’s motorcycle head-on.

In light of ongoing legal wrangling over the permissibility of blood evidence at trial, prosecutors in late December added an alternative charge of vehicular homicide, which requires the state to prove Lane was driving recklessly but does not include the drug or alcohol element needed to prove DUI manslaughter.

Both charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Eisenmenger said the amended charge factored into Lane’s decision to consider a plea agreement, and that any other factors would “become more clear” in court.

“We’re in agreement on all the major points,” Eisenmenger said of his discussions with the state. “We’re 99 percent there but we’re not 100 percent there. We’re close enough that the court felt it was appropriate to take it off the trial docket and we’re close enough that we’re confident we’ll get to a plea.”

Prosecutor Tom Brown said 95 percent or more of his office’s cases are resolved through pleas, and his office treats this case like any other.

Among the factors to be considered are state sentencing guidelines, the facts of the case and input from the victim’s family, which Brown said is always considered during plea discussions and before an offer is made.

“We’ve had plea discussions on this case from the beginning,” Brown said. “We’ve never not been amenable to reaching a resolution. . . and when you get close to trial, discussions become much more serious.”

Byron Morelock, the victim’s brother, said he is not opposed to a plea deal.

“Revenge is nothing. I’ve got to take myself out of the picture,” he said. “I just know my brother would want something positive out of this thing. Gerry was a sweet guy and he never wanted to hurt anybody and even when someone would hurt him . . . he’d say ‘Don’t worry about it.’”

Morelock’s family, Lane and DaimlerChrysler, which provided Lane with the truck he was driving for promotional purposes, reached an undisclosed out-of-court settlement on a wrongful death suit in July 2007.

A civil suit filed against Lane and DaimlerChrysler in May by Lane’s passenger, Erin Derrick, seeks unspecified damages for permanent injuries she said have left her neither able to work nor to pay off mounting medical bills. That case is still pending.

This is a republished article.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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