Details of Les' case and THANKS! FOR YOUR HELP

Les moved to TCU today after four days in ICU. Yeah.
Now the battle in the courts begins. Here are details:

May 15
Courtroom 102
Judge: Katy King
Process: There will be a probable cause hearing which determines whether or not there's probable cause that a felony or felonies have been committed.

Current charges include:
4th DUI within 5 years, a felony
Assault 1, a felony
Wanton endangerment, (either 2 or 3 of those), a felony
Leaving the scene of an accident, a felony
Aggravated circumstances, alcohol level above .18 (Met blew .196), increases penalties

If probable cause is found, then the case will be sent to Circuit Court for the Commonwealth's Attorney to prosecute.

As many people as can please show up at courtroom 102 at 10:30. At that point we will meet with the prosecutor Ms. Meredith and the Victim's Advocate, Ms. Vize. The judge will be made aware of the number of people in attendance for this case.

I asked why there hasn't been a charge of at least attempted vehicular homicide. That type of charge has to be made by the Commonwealth's Attorney. When the case gets transferred to Circuit Court (should happen next Friday) then we'll need a letter/email campaign to encourage additional charges be filed.

Lastly, the prosecutor has already talked to one of the two arresting officers to make sure he's going to be in court. He is.

Please feel free to forward this email to Neighborhood Associations, neighbors, bicycle enthusiasts, and any one who knows Les and Nancy. Let's get this guy off the streets of Louisville!

There's also a group working on a bill dealing with reckless drivers who hit pedestrians or cyclists. You can read about it here:http://brokensidewalk.com/2009/02/09/one-road-bill-could-hold-reckless-drivers-accountable/

Leah you might want to get in touch with Stephen George at LEO Weekly. Stephen is super bright guy (a very civically minded ) with a personal interest in making the world a safer place for bikers. A little press wouldn't hurt. Contact him via their website http://www.leoweekly.com

Thanks Carla!

I've also created a Facebook page to get the word out about the court case, when and where. In a week, I'll need to organize a letter writing/email campaign.

http://www.facebook.com/s.php?q=bike+en ... 256&ref=nf

Leah, Don't worry -- probable cause will be found. Or it might be waived to the grand jury, where felony indictments will ultimately be issued.

Yes, I think it's a slam-dunk also, BUT, this is Met's 4th DUI in five years and I think he walked on the previous ones. It's also his fourth arrest since April of this year and he walked on that stuff too. So, in reality, you can't assume. You have to be vigilant and make yourself heard. The MADD advocates said that the reason a lot of charges get reduced it because no one from the victim's side is there or working their side.

I'm assuming nothing.

Oh, and it may just be routine, but the pre-trial RELEASE paperwork has already been completed and is just awaiting the judge's signature. Yes, we have a copy of the form.

So, really, don't assume anything.

I had heard about the incident as I also live in Old Louisville but hadn't realized that it was someone from the forum...I was already horrified as it is. Cyclists have been out for a while and it has shocked me at the disregard they are given in any case (even after I had a accident due to someone totally ignoring me around Brook and Oak a couple of years ago, at least all I came out with was a couple of probable fractures on my ribcage and luckily no damage to my liver or kidney). And to combine that with a drunk driver with obvious road rage *shudder*. I HATE how easy drunk drivers get off on charges!!! This isn't coming just from the standpoint of working emergency medicine, I had two brothers killed by a drunk driver. It's unbelieveable how so many repeat offenders don't often get punished until they hurt or kill someone, when they should have lost the ability to cause such harm long before it came to that point (as is apparent in this case) My prayers are with Les and his family, and if people are needed for support in numbers then count me IN! This guy needs to be taken off the street before he actually does kill somebody next time.

Thanks for your support Mandy. Les has been a server and a manager in Louisville's restaurants for years and years so quite a few restaurant people know him. And he and DD are Old Lou residents also. If you're on Facebook, come join our Group. The link is in a post above.

I've been out of touch studying the last couple of weeks and I hadn't heard anything about this. However I'm joining the Facebook group now, and if you need anyone me to call or petition someone let me know. My prayers and best wishes are with all involved.

And you were sorely missed, Paul.

Any word yet on today's events?

Probable Cause was found and Mr. Met's case goes to the Grand Jury on June 8. Mr. Met remains in jail.

Amazingly, Les returned to work today - ahead of schedule.

That's wonderful news, Leah.

Amen. (...and i mean that sincerely...)