That is not true. It's reckless. It's irresponsible. And if found guilty, he should do a lengthy prison sentence. But, it's not murder.

Murder requires aforethought or malice. As disgusting as this incident is, it is the alleged negligence that killed someone. Unless he intentionally ran this person over, it is not murder.

What he would be charged with is vehicular homicide or manslaughter. Even though he could have been drunk or on drugs while driving and ultimately killing this person, it was not intentional. Therefore, it is not murder.

Get prepared, folks. You may be disappointed. This happens everyday across the country. As ridiculous as it sounds, many times it's plead down to endangerment resulting in some jail time, and fines. Civilly, the vicitm's family will probably recover damages. But criminally, if convicted of the more serious offense and he has no criminal history, he'll probably be sentenced to up to three years in prison.

It is inadequate? Indeed. But that's what typical sentences are for this type of crime.

 

It may not technically be murder and certainly not legally, but as someone that has lost a child to a drunk driver I can tell you the pain is no less. Billy knew better, he's not a child, he and only he is responsible for his action, wether intentional or not. He intentionally put the alcohol in his body and drove. He deserves the same fate as a murderer.

 

I don't disagree but I was clarifying that murder and vehicular homicide or vehicular manslaughter have different definitions under state statutes.

 

I personally know a man that in the early 90's (in Centeral Texas) while DUI hit a car head on and killed TWO young men. His penatly six, THAT IS 6 months in jail and a couple years of probation! Go figure.

 

Hell, at 90 yrs. old they probably thought they were giving him a life sentence.......


Shakey

 

He's 2 days older than salt water already so yeah...that's pretty much the end of the line for the ole bastard.

 

I am certainly not defended Billy Lane,but a lot of people do not use their heads when out at night on our roads.Wearing dark clothing,on dangerous parts of a road and in the traveled way is just asking for tragedy.I drive all hours of the day and night for a public utility and have had a couple of very close calls.

 

more and more people are getting busted for it.it seem's like it hasn't slowed down a bit.they need to do something more and what they are doing.and i dont care if you are well known or joe smuck you get busted for it. they should throw your tail in jail and take every car or bike that you have. so you cant go ahead and drive. alot of people do that to that they need to drop the hammer on that crap to.5 will get you 10 that he get's off.

 

It's a good thing we have a judicial system that hears ALL the fact before rendering a decision.
I hope no one ever has to face similar circumstances

 

I feel sorry for family, crossing double yellow lines to pass while drunk tells me no respect
for others to, but I can't stand seeing ppl sueing everybody and there dog for anything
they can get, explain to me why DaimlerChrsler should sued??? Another example of to
many lawyers looking for work.