LAKEPORT >> During a recent Plea Entry/Bail Review Hearing at Lake County Superior Court, Billy Wayne Stimmel entered a plea of not guilty to all counts and he denied the special allegations. This came as Defense Attorney Tracy Gatlin informed the court that the defendant has substantial medical issues and feels they are not being dealt with properly in the jail.
Billy Wayne Stimmel, 44, was arrested last August for allegedly driving on a suspended license with several ounces of methamphetamine in his pocket when Clearlake police pulled him over.
Stimmel is charged with Driving With A Suspended License, Use/Under the Influence of Controlled Substance, Possession Of Manufactured Weapon (Billy, Blackjack, Slingshot, Sandbag, Cane), and a Violation of Probation for Possession Of A Controlled Substance (August 11, 2015 conviction).
Defense Attorney Komnith Moth was appointed to represent Stimmel for a potential Writ of Habeas Corpus in regards to the jail situation and alleged medical needs. A Writ of Habeas Corpus is a court order to a custodian (such as a warden) to deliver the imprisoned individual and the custodian present proof of authority, allowing the court to determine whether the custodian has lawful authority to detain the prisoner.
Gatlin was uncertain whether to move forward on the bail review hearing, but she decides to go ahead as bail is argued. The People, represented by Deputy District Attorney John DeChaine, requested the bail remain at the current bail schedule.
After extensive argument, bail remains as set.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the hearing. The matter was continued and scheduled for a Preliminary Examination in Department 3 on Monday. The defendant was ordered to be present.
