Judge Hayward processes crowded arraignment calendar in Clayton County; multiple speed cases resolved with fines and courses

Clayton County State Court Judge Tammy Long Hayward presided over the June 29, 2026 criminal arraignment calendar in Courtroom 304 and resolved dozens of traffic and misdemeanor cases, including several high-speed matters that resulted in reduced-speed pleas, fines and mandated driver-safety courses.

The judge opened the session by outlining defendants’ rights and plea options, noting that "if you enter a plea of not guilty ... the state has the burden of proving the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt," and reminding those with commercial driver’s licenses that administrative consequences to their driving privileges may follow any criminal plea. She repeatedly instructed defendants how to use the court’s online chat to provide contact information so clerks could email sentencing sheets and payment instructions.

Prosecutors and defense counsel worked through negotiated dispositions across multiple dockets. Notable resolutions included Jordan Marcelus Miller, who agreed to a no-contest plea on a speeding-related count after prosecutors said an officer’s LID/LAR measurement captured the vehicle traveling 121 mph in a 65 mph zone; Miller was ordered to pay a $500 fine (plus court fees) and complete a driver-improvement course. Miss Adams, representing the state, summarized the factual basis in court when she described the officer’s measurement.

Several other high-speed matters were resolved similarly. Kenyatta Michelle Langden accepted a negotiated disposition that left a reckless-driving count as a nolo and required a driver course and a $500 fine (the court allowed 60 days to complete the course and pay). Annayia Khisa Green pleaded guilty to a reduced-speed count after officers clocked her at 89 mph; the court imposed a $300 fine (about $444 with charges), required an Alive-at-25 safety course, and granted time to complete the course and payment. James Arthur Smith, charged with speeding 31–34 mph over the limit, entered a nolo and was ordered to complete a defensive driving course in lieu of probation and to meet the agreed payment schedule.

Where defendants did not appear, the court entered bench warrants or bond forfeitures. The state moved to "no pro" (not prosecute) on a number of older or duplicative matters; in those cases the judge released the defendant and explained next steps for any bond refunds. The court repeatedly instructed defendants to obtain sentencing paperwork at the traffic court window on the building’s second floor or to pay online or by phone as directed in emailed sentencing sheets.

Judge Hayward balanced procedural explanation with practical admonitions: urging motorists to slow down and follow traffic laws and advising that some sentencing consequences — including possible Department of Driver Services actions for CDL holders — fall outside the court’s immediate authority. She closed the calendars after counsel finished negotiated pleas and instructed those needing follow-up (including those placed in breakout conferences during the online session) to maintain contact with appointed or retained counsel.

The arraignment session shows routine case processing in a busy state court: negotiated pleas resolving cases quickly, null prosecutions where the state declines to proceed, and fines or diversionary driver-safety course requirements in response to high-speed or repeated traffic offenses. Defendants were repeatedly reminded to provide accurate contact information to receive sentencing instructions and to meet payment or course deadlines to avoid further enforcement action.